Jackson Briggs (Vincent Macaigne) is a seasoned Army Ranger battling the effects of PTSD. Currently working at a local deli, he dreams of returning to active duty, specifically aiming for a rotation in Pakistan. Unfortunately, due to his mental health struggles, he is deemed unfit for deployment, and despite his efforts to influence the decision through favors, he faces repeated setbacks. His life takes a turn when he receives news that his former squad mate, Eric De Staercke, who played Riley Rodriguez, has been killed in action, plunging him deeper into a sense of loss and purpose.
In the aftermath of Riley’s death, Vanessa Paradis plays Hélène, a character who appears briefly but with significance. Briggs joins his fellow rangers for drinks, seeking comfort and camaraderie, but when he asks one of them for a recommendation to rejoin active duty, he is met with cold rejection. This encounter underscores his feelings of alienation and frustration, amplifying his sense of being stranded between worlds—no longer part of the military and unable to find solace elsewhere.
Briggs is then tasked with a sensitive mission: to escort Lulu, a Belgian Malinois and Riley’s loyal, yet aggressive dog, to her final resting place in Arizona. Lulu's breed and history make her difficult to handle, especially because of her aggressive tendencies and sensitivity to touch. When Briggs first tries to take Lulu into his care, she reacts violently, pouncing on him in response to a touch that hits her trigger spots. This initial tension simmers with complexity, highlighting the challenge of caring for a dog with a troubled past.
On the long journey to Arizona, Briggs faces numerous obstacles but becomes increasingly intertwined with Lulu’s emotional state. At a shooting range, he removes her muzzle, leading her to break free and cause chaos in his car. To keep her calm, Briggs secretly pills her with sausage stuffed with medication. As they continue traveling, he makes a stop at a bar in Oregon, where his awkward attempts at socializing with women reveal his internal struggles—his demeanor comes off as withdrawn and unappealing, further isolating him from others.
One day, Briggs encounters Emmy Raver-Lampman and Nicole LaLiberte, who are also with dogs, and they invite him to their home. There, an unexpected incident occurs when Lulu’s loud barking attracts suspicion, prompting a neighbor to investigate. The neighbor, initially threatening, turns out to be a man named Gus, played by [Kevin Nash], who mistakenly believes Briggs is an intruder and tranquilizes him. Briggs wakes up tied up but quickly frees himself, nearly attacking Gus before realizing that his wife Tamara, played by [Jane Adams], is caring for Lulu, who has a broken foot. Tamara’s kindness, along with a small edible she gives Briggs, opens his eyes to the possibility of kindness and understanding beyond his immediate struggles.
Later, Briggs maintains his journey through a series of attempts to reconnect with his family. He visits Niki, played by [Q’orianka Kilcher], and her daughter Sam, revealing a strained relationship and his longing for connection. His interactions are bittersweet and filled with regret, especially when he learns Niki does not want him involved in their daughter’s life. His search for Lulu’s twin, Duke, played by [Ethan Suplee], offers moments of tenderness as Lulu begins to show her softer side, particularly when she reunites with her brother.
Throughout his travels, Briggs faces setbacks—his car is broken into, and much of his belongings, including Riley’s uniform, are stolen. He and Noah, a friend who owns Duke, use Lulu and her brother as trackers and ultimately recover most of what was taken from Briggs. As rain pours down, his car stalls, forcing him to settle in an abandoned barn where Lulu reacts negatively, creating tension. After calming her, Briggs tries to relax, even setting up a TV with an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, a quiet moment of comfort shared with Lulu.
As the day of Riley’s funeral approaches, Briggs and Lulu hitch a ride to the ceremony, which takes place in Nogales, AZ. Quietly mourning, Briggs helps Lulu pay her respects, laying Riley’s belongings at his grave. Following the funeral, Briggs begins the journey back, encountering a series of hurdles, including a breakdown of his vehicle in the rain. He’s eventually hospitalized after suffering a panic attack, with Lulu steadfastly by his side during his vulnerable moment.
Determined to reclaim his purpose, Briggs finally reaches the military base where his application for re-deployment is being reconsidered. Instead of leaving Lulu behind, he makes the heartfelt decision to bring her along. Watching her struggle with fear, he reconsiders and decides to adopt her legally, recognizing how much Lulu has helped him through his darkest days. The film concludes with Briggs revisiting Noah, Duke, and Niki’s family, emphasizing the healing power of companionship and the bond he has formed with Lulu. The story closes with a moving message from Briggs to Lulu, speaking about how she truly saved him, symbolizing their mutual rescue and the beginning of a new chapter.
