“”In America”” tells the story of an Irish actor (Johnny, played by Paddy Considine) who illegally immigrates with his wife (Sarah, played by Samantha Morton) and two daughters (Christy and Ariel played by real-life sisters Sarah and Emma Bolger) to New York City in the early 80s. The family is still grieving over the death of Frankie, who died as a toddler in Ireland.
Things are much harder than everyone anticipated. The family is broke, and has to move into an apartment filled with junkies. Johnny can no longer emote because he is dead inside from losing Frankie, so he has to drive a cab. Coming to America was supposed to help the family heal from Frankie