Sherry Swanson, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, struggles to adjust to life outside of prison after serving a three-year sentence for drug-related charges. Upon her release, she is determined to rebuild her life and regain custody of her daughter, Alexis, who is being cared for by her brother and sister-in-law.
Sherry's attempts to reconnect with her daughter are met with resistance from her family, who fear that her history of addiction will prevent her from being a responsible mother. Despite facing numerous challenges, including finding stable employment and battling her own inner demons, Sherry remains steadfast in her desire to prove herself as a good mother.
As she navigates the complexities of her new life, Sherry is forced to confront her past mistakes and make difficult decisions in order to gain custody of her daughter. Along the way, she forms a bond with her parole officer, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who provides guidance and support as she struggles to stay clean and rebuild her relationship with Alexis.
The film delves into the themes of addiction, motherhood, and redemption, as Sherry grapples with her past while striving to create a better future for herself and her daughter. It ultimately serves as a powerful exploration of the challenges and complexities of rebuilding one's life after serving time in prison.