In the rural desert town of Laramie, New Mexico, 16-year-old "Shade" Evans (Fairuza Balk) is captivated by the local cinema, where she immerses herself in melodramatic Mexican romances featuring her beloved actress, Elvia Rivero. After one afternoon screening, she reunites with her 18-year-old sister, Trudi (Ione Skye), at the diner where their divorced mother, Nora (Brooke Adams), holds a job. Tension arises when Trudi makes a derogatory comment towards the busboy, resulting in his resignation and leaving Shade feeling humiliated by her sister's racist remarks. Frustrated, she declares her disdain for diner food and storms out.
That night, pondering on her mother's troubled love life, Shade is inspired by an Elvia Rivero film to take on the role of matchmaker. However, she finds herself tangled in thoughts about her biological father, John Evans. She attempts to reach out to him but hangs up as soon as he answers. Later, when Nora arrives home late and discovers Trudi has not returned, she is left upset—and Shade retreats to her room, attempting to block out the ensuing conflict.
The following day, Trudi starts working at the diner with plans to save money and escape. Shade heads to the cinema to watch another Elvia Rivero film but is distracted when the film abruptly stops. Venturing to the projection room, she encounters Javier (Jacob Vargas), the busboy who now operates the projector. He makes a pointed comment about Trudi's behavior, but Shade counters, asserting that he should concentrate on his responsibilities rather than harboring resentment. Javier, charmed by her spark, laughs it off.
That evening, Nora grapples with the advances of Raymond (Chris Mulkey), an ex-lover who reappears in her life. As they share a kiss, she firmly informs him of her disinterest in rekindling their relationship given his married status. Meanwhile, Shade spends time with her pensive friend, Darius (Donovan Leitch Jr.), who offers a unique take on the lyrics of an Olivia Newton-John song. Trudi, on the other hand, finds herself alone and heartbroken after being rejected by her boyfriend. Her melancholy catches the eye of Dank (Robert Knepper), an English geologist, who offers her a ride home, amused by her tirade against men.
At the laundromat, Shade unknowingly borrows change from John (James Brolin), who casts lingering glances at Nora. Run away with emotions, Trudi and Dank share an intimate night exploring caves, during which she confesses having been gang-raped in her adolescence. She explains this as a source of her careless approach to relationships until Dank’s affection begins to shift her outlook. However, upon learning Dank is leaving Laramie for a few days, Trudi’s insecurity resurfaces.
When Trudi returns home, she and Nora clash again over her reckless behavior. Shade, confused about a potential romance with Darius, heeds Trudi's advice and attempts to impress him but ends up embarrassed by his lack of interest. She devises a blind date for Nora with Raymond, which turns out to be an awkward encounter for both adults who try to maintain their composure during the dinner.
Things unravel as Trudi discovers she is pregnant after her fleeting night with Dank. Nora's suggestion to consider abortion infuriates her, leading Trudi to make the decision to relocate to Dallas, Texas, post-birth, where she plans to give the child up for adoption. Seeking to improve their living situation, Nora proposes getting cable, but after flirting with Hamlet, the dish installer, they end up sharing a passionate encounter.
At a party, Shade intervenes against aggressive musicians harassing her friend Tanya, and later, while being escorted home by the laundromat man, she uncovers the truth: he is her estranged father, John. Stunned, she confronts Nora the next day about the revelation. Shortly after, when Shade seeks John out, she is met with hostility, yet he leaves her with cash, stating her worth.
As the weeks unfold, Shade finds comfort in Javier, developing a tender romance while simultaneously watching her mother grow closer to Hamlet. When the family travels to Dallas for Trudi’s childbirth, Shade hopes for her sister to return but receives the heartbreaking news that Trudi is looking forward to beginning anew.
On the drive home, a roadside shop selling phosphorescent rocks catches Shade’s attention. Asking Hamlet to wait, she discovers the rocks were previously collected by Dank, who tragically lost his life in a mine cave-in. Reflecting on these intertwined relationships, Shade walks back through the desert to Laramie, holding a promise to eventually share the truth of Dank's love for her sister.
