Based on the acclaimed novel by Dominique Paul, "The Possibility of Fireflies" is a coming-of-age story that takes place during the summer of 1989 in suburban Maryland. It follows Ellie Roma (Joey King) - a precocious teenager with dreams of becoming a writer - who must cope with her chaotic, self destructive mother Susanna (Courtney Love) and a volatile metal-head sister, Gwen. When Ellie falls in love with her older neighbor, aspiring singer Leo, she finds herself caught in the alluring undertow of a reckless rock n' roll freedom, and must make a decision that will change her life for ever.