At 12 Josh's world seems to end when his grandfather passes away. Unable to truly understand his emotions he withdraws into himself and confides only in his new best friend; a red balloon he keeps tied to his wrist he calls, Lenny. When his parents once again argue about his isolation Josh retreats into the only sanctuary he knows; his imagination. In this new world Josh creates Lenny is no longer a balloon but a heroic young man intent on aiding him in a quest through a giant labyrinth to retrieve his grandfather's pocket watch from Death himself. Plagued along the way by the Labyrinths guardians and confronted by the mazes inhabitants Josh is continuously tested. In a final confrontation with Death, Josh is forced to truly examine himself and ultimately accept the loss of his grandfather.
