The film begins in a small Nebraska town, where Luli, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, is seen sitting on the steps of her school. It is evident that she is somewhat of a recluse, lacking friends and companionship. The scene takes a dramatic turn when her father, a man struggling with alcoholism, arrives and crashes into a play structure outside the school.
The narrative shifts to Luli’s 13th birthday party, which takes place at a bar. Here, she finds herself surrounded by adults more interested in drinking than celebrating her special day; one peculiar gift she receives is a revolver, a Colt 45. As the "celebration" winds down, Luli is left in a tense situation with her mother, Tammy (played by Juliette Lewis), and her inebriated father, Nick (Anson Mount). In an effort to leave, Nick attempts to drive away but is stopped by Tammy, who insists he cannot go anywhere in his current state. In the chaos, Luli is rescued by a bartender who provides her a ride home while she clutches the case of her newly acquired weapon.
The following morning, Luli practices aiming her gun at her reflection in the mirror, showcasing her need for self-defense. A noise in the kitchen leads her to discover Lux (Bob Stephenson), an investment worker, busy in paperwork. As Tammy departs with Lux, Luli is left to grapple with the sense of abandonment again. To cope, she draws a path from her hometown to Las Vegas after seeing an advertisement on television, making an unsettling list of pros and cons, which includes the ominous “might die.” Resolving to leave, she packs her essentials including her revolver and sets off.
She soon finds herself picked up on the roadside by Eddie Redmayne, who shows initial interest in her dream of reaching Vegas. However, the mood shifts when Eddie makes a derogatory comment about her outfit, leading to a confrontation that ends with Luli exiting his truck to escape his threatening demeanor.
After a night spent sleeping in a ditch, Luli is awakened by Blake Lively, who stops to relieve herself. In an effort to find some companionship and assistance, Luli deceives Glenda about her situation, eventually securing a ride with her. Glenda introduces Luli to drugs, resulting in a hallucinatory experience, and together they engage in a risky scheme at a gas station, where theft comes into play but also highlights Luli's moral reservations.
Their journey continues to a bowling alley, highlighting how Glenda is well-known there. Here, Eddie resurfaces, leading Luli to feel anxious and paranoid about his presence after she confides in Glenda about him. The narrative delves into Luli’s complex interactions with Eddie, leading to a harrowing encounter in a restroom where Eddie's protective instincts turn violent.
As tensions mount, Luli finds herself staying at a motel with Eddie but quickly realizes that Glenda is nowhere to be found, and Eddie seems to have ulterior motives. A desperate attempt to communicate with a stranger about her situation reveals Eddie’s possessive and manipulative nature, leading to a traumatic experience that leaves Luli tied up in a cabin.
In a twist of fate, Glenda reveals to Luli that Eddie’s dangers run deeper than initially perceived, implying a shared history of violence. When Eddie unexpectedly enters, an accidental shot results in a tragic incident that escalates the already tumultuous atmosphere. In the aftermath of chaos, Luli awakens in Beau's home, where he assures her that her survival is owing to his intervention, crafting a cover story for the tragic events that previously unfolded.
Faced with decisions about her future, Luli contemplates whether to return home or to seek a new life as Beau offers her an alternative. Nevertheless, after a disheartening call home, where she learns that her mother sold their house, Luli’s resolve strengthens. With newfound determination, she flips through her sketchbook, finds Beau's note, and, utilizing a clever trick taught by Glenda, she races back to board a bus—this time aiming for Los Angeles and a fresh start, leaving behind the haunting memories of her past.
