For successful New York writer and party girl Gwen Cummings (Sandra Bullock), life is an exercise in debauchery until her ungraceful display at her sister's (Elizabeth Perkins) wedding, when she gets drunk, commandeers the limo and earns herself a DUI and 28 days in court-ordered rehab. There, Gwen must deal with a unique set of rules and rituals and an odd assortment of rehab-mates, including Eddie (Viggo Mortensen), Roshanda and Bobbie Jean (Oscar® nominees Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Diane Ladd). Gwen is determined not to conform, but a counselor (Steve Buscemi) begins to break through her carefully constructed defenses, forcing her to take a closer look at herself. Ultimately, through the companionship of the group and a devastating loss, Gwen gradually begins the struggle to take back her life.