Vanya and Sonia (named after Chekhovian characters by their theatre-loving, academic parents) have lived their entire lives in the family’s farmhouse in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

While they stayed home to take care of their ailing parents, their sister Masha has been gallivanting around the world as an oft-married successful actress and movie star, leaving Vanya and Sonia to feel trapped and resentful at home. Meanwhile, the soothsayer/cleaning woman, Cassandra, warns them of terrible events to happen in the near future — events which do come true. Masha sweeps in with her good-looking toyboy, Spike. She is planning to sell the house, for which she no longer intends to pay the upkeep.

Then Nina, the niece of a neighbour, is drawn into the circle, the Chekhovian cast is complete. A nearby costume party and Vanya’s attempt at having his long-withheld avant-garde play performed before his siblings crown a weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness.