The story begins in a tranquil present-day park, where a woman (Alia Shawkat) takes a leisurely stroll with her dog. Suddenly, the dog's digging leads to a shocking discovery: the remains of two adult skeletons twisted together in their final embrace. This startling revelation sets a stark tone for the tale that unfolds.
We are transported back to 1820 Oregon, where Otis "Cookie" Figowitz, played by John Magaro, is slaving away as the cook for a ragtag crew of trappers working for a prosperous fur company. Cookie, with his gentle demeanor, finds himself constantly at odds with his loud and intimidating fellow trappers, making his culinary journey all the more challenging.
That evening, under the cloak of night, Cookie ventures out in search of provisions and encounters King-Lu, portrayed by Orion Lee, a fugitive running from Russian pursuers after he found himself forced to kill one of their members. Their interaction reveals Lu's deep hunger, prompting Cookie's instinctive generosity as he shares his scant supplies. This shared moment leads them to develop an unexpected friendship when Cookie offers Lu the chance to hide in his tent for the night, safeguarding him from potential danger.
The next day, as the trappers head to Fort Tillicum to receive their wages, Cookie endures further bullying from a teammate, only to be defended by King-Lu. The two part ways as the trappers continue on, setting the stage for Cookie’s solitary journey through the wilderness.
Alone, Cookie searches for food, attempting to fish before seeking refuge in a local bar within Fort Tillicum's confines. Here, he overhears gossip about the much-anticipated arrival of the first milk cow in the region, bestowed by Chief Factor, a wealthy Englishman played by Toby Jones. Unfortunately, the cow's mate had unfortunately perished on the arduous journey, leaving her vulnerable.
His moment of tranquility is quickly interrupted by an unruly patron, igniting a brawl that spills into the streets. Amidst the chaos, another individual entrusts Cookie with their crying infant. He gently soothes the child just as King-Lu enters the bar. They share a drink and a light moment before they exit, leaving the infant behind.
As the two men wander the landscape, their conversations cover aspirations and experiences until they reach Lu's modest home, where they spend hours collecting the bounty of nature. Cookie shares his dream of opening a hotel or bakery in San Francisco, igniting their imaginations.
Their peaceful existence is soon disturbed when they stumble upon Chief Factor's cow, alone and exposed. Recognizing an opportunity, Cookie confides in Lu about the animal and they concoct a plan to milk her, motivated by Cookie's desire to create his delicious oily cakes. Speaking softly to the cow, he empathizes with her loss, demonstrating the heartening bond they share with nature.
Bringing back the precious milk, they craft a pastry that soon becomes the talk of the town, drawing eager patrons who are more than willing to pay for a taste. As their profits grow, the duo carefully milks the cow while introducing a variety of new flavors to their oily cakes. However, ethical concerns arise for Lu, while Cookie grows increasingly anxious about the potential consequences of their scheme.
Their business venture faces new challenges when Thomas, a young boy played by Jared Kowalski, arrives to safeguard the cow. After being denied a cake, he lashes out at them in frustration, complicating their situation further. Soon after, Chief Factor invites them to his estate to bake blueberry clafoutis for an important meeting, intrigued by their culinary prowess.
While preparing their dish, Lu shares his worries that Factor may recognize the unique flavor of the cow’s milk. Their meeting is filled with accolades, but they leave the estate unsettled as Factor notes the cow's dwindling production.
As dusk approaches, the weight of their choices becomes pressing. Cookie and Lu know their enterprise could spiral out of control, and a looming decision hangs in the air. Lu, ever the pragmatist, aims for a final profitable sale, but Cookie's apprehensions only deepen. They decide to venture out again under the cover of night to procure more milk. Yet, a fateful accident occurs when Lu signals too hastily, causing a devastating fall that alerts the Chief Factor's men to their presence.
Amidst the confusion, Lu evades danger by hiding as their business begins to crumble. Meanwhile, Cookie sustains a head injury, leading him to the compassion of a kindly couple who care for him during his recovery.
In the aftermath, Lu embarks on a solitary journey, gliding along the river, recalling the warmth of their shared moments despite the lurking threat. He skillfully dodges Factor's henchmen when he gets to their old shack, only to find a stash of cash left behind.
Meanwhile, the recuperating Cookie, burdened with thoughts of Lu's safety, seeks his whereabouts. Fate leads him to Thomas, who has his eye on him, adding to Cookie's growing unease as he discovers the cow's once-tranquil home, now fenced off as a threat looms close.
Finally arriving at the shack, Cookie finds Lu, injured but alive, and they share a heartfelt reunion, blissfully unaware of the fierce storm approaching. Their precious moments of camaraderie soon dim as Cookie's injury takes its toll. Exhausted and dazed, he chooses to rest, while Lu must confront an impossible decision: stay and assist his vulnerable friend or flee from the encroaching danger as their destinies intertwine, setting the stage for the trials that still await them.
