In the early 70's, in the middle of the night, on a dried out lawn in a broken down neighborhood in the Southern Californian community of Santa Ana, Nate Brewer's mother held him as they watched his father leave them to an uncertain future. After that, it was every man for himself.
At least, that's how Nate and his brother, Ira, saw it.
Now, Nate is 45 years old. He's losing his wife. He lost his career. His mom is losing that same home in Santa Ana and Nate thinks he may be losing his mind.
That's just the beginning of indian paintbrush, a darkly, bitter-sweet comic tale told by Nate himself. He thinks he's writing a journal for his psychiatrist but, as his recollections grow darker, he realizes that he has let every bad moment in his life keep him from reaching for anything good. This could be his last chance at remembering just what it is he can't live without.
Some people grow up hoping things will change but, very often, the only thing time changes is our memories... Maybe there are times when "family" comes down to a group of people you just can't stand, who you actively hate. And these are the people with whom you will share some of your fondest memories.