Set in 1981, "The Last Summer" tells the story of 12-year-old Joel Shuman's first summer after the sudden death of his mom. Joel helps his family come to terms with their tragic loss while spending his last summer of innocence with the best friends he will ever know. "The Last Summer" recalls a time when life was still a mystery and every day was a new adventure.

After getting into a car accident while drunk on the day of her sister's wedding, Gwen Cummings is given a choice between prison or a rehab center. She chooses rehab, but is extremely resistant to taking part in any of the treatment programs they have to offer, refusing to admit that she has an alcohol addiction.