Claire McKay (Julia Brendler) is a deeply troubled teen. She is very lonely and depressed ever since her high school boyfriend tragically died. Her friends and family try to help her by sending her to the mysterious island where her ancestors were from. There she meets a reclusive writer named Celia (Vanessa Redgrave) who takes Claire under her wing and tells her the story of a girl named Silly (Kirsten Dunst). Silly, like Claire experienced a great loss early in her life. Hearing this story allows Claire to somewhat heal her scarred soul and to move on with her life. It also allows her to know that she is not alone in her suffering, and that many others are suffering too.