What John Was is the story of a boy, Henry, at his brother's (John's) funeral. Henry's emotionlessness is in stark contrast to the tear-soaked faces of the other funeral guests and he can't help but feel that he is being judged for not being as sad as he should be. The film explores his day as well as the two brother's less than loving relationship that led to Henry being less grief-stricken and more confused than the others.