Kit, a college dropout, has fallen off the grid for about 2 years as a result of his sister's death. He reemerges after publishing a poetry book, crashing at his friend Brian's home in Brooklyn. In the house, Brian's housekeeper, Margaret, lives with her two daughters, the bright and promising Olive and the more directionless Frankie. Kit begins to form intense relationships with both daughters through his poetry, which leads to conflict and confusion in the household. Inspired by the life and poetry of John Keats, Negative Capability explores the powers of art, the nature of success, and the way we need one another.