Mills is a twelve year-old graffiti addict who is quickly losing faith in human integrity. His life on the streets has become his only escape from an abusive household headed by the devilish Gus (Lou Diamond Phillips). Tim (Dash Mihok), a humble middle school teacher and football coach, believes that there is no such thing as a bad kid, only a bad situation.

The two form an uneasy friendship when Tim recognizes Mills' unhealthy behavior as merely a cry for help. In practicing his beliefs, Tim is willing to sacrifice his reputation, job and relationships in order to win the child's trust and help protect Mills from the dangers that plague his young life.

Mills on the other hand fails to repay Tim's faith and struggles to trust him until dire circumstances arise. Quest is based on Director Santiago Rizzo's own childhood and honors the life of beloved Bay Area teacher, coach and human being Tim Moellering.