Jean Dwight (Blethyn) and grown sons Tim (Chittenden) and Mark (Wilson) live in Sydney, Australia, where Jean laments her lost career as a comedienne, which she left behind in her native England after relocating with ex-husband and one-hit-wonder musician John (Holden). Self-absorbed Jean works in a cafeteria by day while attempting to resurrect her comedy career by night, leaving little room for helping the boys sort out adulthood. Mark, brain damaged at birth, is addled and precocious. Tom, overcoming his shyness enough to pursue romance with blonde beauty Jill (Booth), sparks conflicts. Feel-good comedy drama strikes a good balance.