Hollywood 90028

Mark, a 29-year-old freelance photographer from Indiana, shifts his life to Los Angeles with hopes of becoming a cinematographer. He struggles to establish himself professionally, mainly working on short pornographic loops for a producer named Jobal.

Mark is haunted by memories of his overbearing mother and feels guilty over an incident from his childhood, where he accidentally caused his baby brother's death. These emotional struggles influence his mental state and relationships throughout the film.

While working in adult film, Mark meets Michele, a porn actress. The two bond over their Midwestern backgrounds and shared interest in art, forming a close but platonic friendship despite Michele being in a committed relationship.

Mark and Michele go for a hike to Mount Lee to see the Hollywood Sign. During this outing, Mark confesses his feelings of loneliness and alienation, seeking comfort in Michele's company. She shares her childhood love of movies and her descent into sex work.

One morning, Mark gives a ride to Gretchen, a talkative young hitchhiker, heading to the beach. They spend time together, rent a boat, and share a fleeting moment of companionship despite Gretchen's chatter.

Mark's frustration peaks when he strangulates Gretchen after her incessant talking during their outing. He then throws her body into the water, successfully convincing the boat owner that he dropped her off elsewhere, covering up the incident.

Back home, Mark listens to an answering machine message from Michele, where she confesses she no longer wants to see him, feeling he is stuck in a cycle of unhappiness and unable to change.

Mark visits Michele at her apartment, and they share a night of intimacy. The morning reveals a tragic turn: Michele has been strangled by Mark, unbeknownst to him until he wakes up, highlighting his spiraling mental state.

Overwhelmed by guilt and despair after Michele's death, Mark records his own suicide by hanging himself from the Hollywood Sign, signifying his complete descent into hopelessness.