The Gilbert Diaries follows the life of Gilbert, a young man in his mid-twenties who lives in a small town. Gilbert is a simple soul and his days are filled with trivial activities like fishing, attending church, and spending time with his friends. However, his life takes a turn when he meets a young woman named Emma. Emma is an artist who is traveling through the town and stops by to capture its essence in her paintings. Gilbert is immediately drawn to her, and the two soon become friends.
As Gilbert spends more time with Emma, he discovers a different side of himself and begins to explore his own passions. He discovers a love for writing and starts penning his daily experiences in a journal, which he calls The Gilbert Diaries. This newfound sense of purpose inspires him to pursue bigger dreams, like leaving his hometown and traveling the world.
However, Gilbert's plans hit a roadblock when a group of business owners in the town decide to sell their land to a development company, which would destroy the small-town charm of Gilbert's hometown. Gilbert rallies his friends and family to protest against the development, but it seems like all is lost.
In the end, Gilbert's journal becomes a powerful tool in the fight against the development. His writing inspires people in the town to come together and fight for what they believe in. The Gilbert Diaries becomes a symbol of hope and community, and Gilbert becomes a hero in his town. The movie ends with Gilbert leaving his hometown to embark on his new adventures, armed with his journal and the memories of his small town.