Things We Say and Do When People Die follows the intertwined fate of the dysfunctional Bustamante family and the death of the patriarch, Humberto Humberto. Mikey Bustamante, the youngest of the adult children, appears to have it all – money, experiences, accomplishments. But it has come with a heavy price, sibling jealousy and estrangement from his parents. His father’s death comes at no surprise, but Mikey is on vacation when the news arrives via text message. Mikey must reconcile with coming home early to help with funeral arrangements and family business, or risk further isolation by keeping his distance. When he chooses the latter, it creates a whirlwind of turmoil that prevents him from grieving in his own proper way.