Kalifornia

Brian Kessler, a graduate student and aspiring journalist, secures a lucrative book deal following the success of his article about serial killers. This opportunity sets him on a path to explore the dark side of crime as he researches for his upcoming book.

Motivated by the need to finish his book, Brian decides to travel to California, accompanied by his photographer girlfriend, Carrie Laughlin. They plan to visit various notorious murder sites along the way to gain insights for Brian's writing.

To help with travel expenses, Brian posts a ride-share advertisement at college. Early Grayce, a sociopathic parolee, responds to the ad, leading to a fateful meeting between him and Brian.

After encountering his landlord over unpaid rent, Early exhibits his volatile nature with a violent outburst. This event foreshadows the darkness within him as he drives recklessly through the trailer park.

Brian and Carrie meet Early and his girlfriend, Adele, during their ride-share arrangement. Carrie feels uneasy about Early, sensing his rough demeanor, but reluctantly encourages Brian to give them a chance.

As they continue their journey, Early's malevolent behavior escalates, culminating in the murder of an unsuspecting man at a gas station. This shocking act marks the beginning of a spiral into violence for the group.

During a hotel stay, Adele shares her traumatic backstory with Carrie, revealing why she sees Early as her protector. This moment highlights the psychological hold Early has over her despite his violent tendencies.

Concerned for Brian's growing fascination with Early, Carrie confronts him with an ultimatum. She insists they must cut ties with Early and Adele, or she will leave him, showcasing her awareness of the danger.

Carrie spots a news report identifying Early as a suspected murderer while they are traveling. The revelation heightens the tension as Early's true nature becomes undeniable, putting everyone at risk.

Early's rampage intensifies when he kills a gas station attendant and attacks police officers. He orders Brian to execute one of the injured officers, escalating their dire situation and showcasing Early's control.

Upon reaching an elderly couple's home, Early brutally murders the man while Adele allows the woman to escape. This act of violence sharply contrasts Adele's internal conflict about her relationship with Early.

Adele finally confronts Early, expressing her desire to leave him. Tragically, this leads to her death when Early turns his weapon on her, intensifying the film's dramatic tensions and highlighting Early's unpredictability.

After regaining consciousness from an attack by Early, Brian receives crucial help from the elderly woman who gives him the keys to her truck. This moment of assistance represents hope as Brian tries to escape.

Brian arrives at an abandoned nuclear testing site to confront Early, armed with a shovel. In a tense showdown, Brian ultimately shoots Early in self-defense, concluding the terrifying ordeal.

The film concludes with Brian and Carrie settling into a serene California beach house. With Carrie embracing her newfound freedom, they hear a haunting voice of Adele on Brian's tape player, emphasizing the tragedy of their intertwined fates.