The Tenebaums are an offbeat, dysfunctional family. The children were all geniuses at an early age and their lives held great potential. Everything changed when their lives were disrupted by the sudden, unexplained, departure of their father Royal (Gene Hackman). Then, as suddenly as he left, Royal is back. Claiming he only has a few months to live, a family reunion takes place. His wife, Etheline (Anjelica Houston) gives him a cool reception. Likewise, his sons Chas (Ben Stiller) and Richie (Luke Wilson) aren't too thrilled to see Dad. And daughter Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) is so neurotic no one can tell how she feels. Royal's impending death turns out to be a ruse just to see his family again. He's really fine, unless his crazy family drives him to suicide.