synopsis

A young Appalachian family battles poverty, addiction and hopelessness as they attempt to pull their lives together. Like many of their neighbors, EJ Huffman, a father of two, is addicted to pain pills and brazenly commits acts of petty crime, while Brandy, his fiancé and mother of his children, must deal with an unwanted pregnancy. With food, clothing and employment scarce, the parents remain focused on their young daughter, a leukemia survivor, who vies to compete in the Little Miss West Virginia pageant through a series of preliminary contests. Through domestic strife, medical emergencies and government neglect, EJ and Brandy remain dedicated to keeping their family afloat.