Bad Blake, portrayed by Jeff Bridges, is a down-and-out country music star who finds himself grappling with the remnants of his once-glorious career. Arriving in a quaint small-town bowling alley for a low-paying gig, he first indulges in a drink and a smoke, before stopping by a gas station to pick up his preferred whiskey. Upon returning to his motel, Blake succumbs to the temptation of alcohol, leading to an intense phone argument with his manager, Jack Greene, who chastises him for his lack of new material.
As he takes the stage that night, Blake's performance deteriorates under the influence, forcing him to abandon the show and run to a trash can to be sick. The following morning reveals the aftermath of his choices, waking up next to a woman from the bar and slipping out unnoticed.
Continuing his tour, Bad arrives in Santa Fe where he meets a piano player named Wesley, who informs him about his niece, Jean Craddock, a reporter eager to interview him. Intrigued, Bad invites her over, leading to a series of heartfelt conversations that spark a romantic connection between them. Their relationship deepens as he meets her young son, Buddy, cooking breakfast and aiming to be a better figure in their lives.
However, the shadow of his past looms large when his manager calls with a high-profile gig. Bad is given the opportunity to open for the renowned Tommy Sweet, played by Colin Farrell, who was once his protégé. The two share a complicated history, and although Tommy supports Bad during his performance, the contrast between their careers weighs heavily on Blake.
A moment of recklessness occurs when, while driving to see Jean, he falls asleep at the wheel, resulting in a crash that lands him in the hospital. With his health in jeopardy, he attempts to reform his life, spending time with Jean and Buddy. As he tries to reconnect with a son he hasn't seen in two decades, he faces rejection, adding to his heartbreak.
A trip to the park with Buddy backfires, leading to a tense confrontation with Jean, who feels he has undermined her trust. With Wayne, an old friend, he seeks help for his drinking issue, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and pouring his feelings into the new song.
Despite his efforts to curb his addiction and mend his relationship with Jean, he is met with her disapproval, ultimately leading to their separation. The film jumps ahead sixteen months, where Bad is now backstage at a concert witnessing the success of the song he wrote for Tommy; a token of his journey. When he encounters Jean again, it is bittersweet; she is married, yet they share a moment of understanding. He gifts her a royalty check for Buddy, symbolizing hope for the future as they settle on a bench, reminiscing while "The Weary Kind" plays over the closing credits.
