In the 1960s, young singer-songwriter Brian Wilson (Paul Dano) achieves international acclaim after scoring numerous hit records with The Beach Boys. Following a panic attack, he quits touring and moves into the studio, intent on creating "the greatest album ever made," Pet Sounds. Meanwhile, his grip on reality slowly loosens as he attempts to cope with the overwhelming voices in his head. Later, in the 1980s, a middle-aged Wilson (John Cusack) is shown to be a broken, confused man under the pharmacological and legal thrall of his unscrupulous therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti). After meeting Wilson, Cadillac saleswoman Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks) is determined to save him from Landy's abusive grip.