The violinist, Nathanial Ayers, played by Jamie Foxx began playing cello as a child while living in an urban ghetto, as a way to escape his violent surroundings. After spending a short time at Julliard, mental problems, associated with his childhood surface, ending the young musician’s gifted career and leading him into the life of homelessness.

The audience is taken on an emotional roller coaster as Lopez’s efforts to help the now middle aged musician become genuine but are continually frustrated by the schizophrenia tormenting Ayer's mind. Many in the audience cried during the movie. The scenes of homelessness in Los Angeles also added a sense of despair and tension to the story.

The message to viewers during the almost 2 hour long movie was sometimes when you want to help someone, friendship is all that is possible and just touching someone else’s life can be emotionally exciting, unpredictable and enriching.