Duncan (Joshua Jackson) is an unemployed youth, trying to cope with the death of his father ten years ago. The film is set in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Duncan's grandparents, Ronald (Donald Sutherland) and Ruth (Louise Fletcher) move into an apartment with a very nice view. Ron claims that he has seen the Northern Lights aka Aurora Borealis from the balcony. Ron is fast deteriorating with Alzheimer's disease. Kate (Juliette Lewis) is the home assistant of Ron and Ruth.
In order to be close to his grandparents, Duncan finds a job as a handyman at the building where they are staying. There he meets Kate and the two quickly fall in love. Meanwhile, Duncan takes care of Ron and helps out Ron in coping with his condition.
Duncan does not want to leave the town he grew up in. He is not able to free himself from his fears of the past and his sorrow of his father's death. Ron nudges him to do something with his life. He tells Kate that Duncan needs someone who can push him to action. Kate too suggests that Duncan move on with his life.
Kate announces that she has chosen to move to San Diego. This hurts Duncan, but he is still not ready to leave.
Ron wants to end his life and misery. He asks Duncan to buy him some shells for his shotgun. In a moment of despair, Duncan loads the shotgun and gives it to Ron, but he is not able to position the gun so that he can pull the trigger with his toe. The gun goes off and Duncan runs inside. Ron follows but has a heart attack and dies.
Kate leaves for San Diego and Duncan says his goodbyes. On reaching her new place, she sees Duncan at the doorstep, ready to give his life a fresh start.
What disease Ron has?
Alzheimer's disease