Lucky chronicles the life of a 90-year-old man grappling with the inevitability of aging. The film beautifully portrays his journey towards acceptance of his own mortality, as he seeks deeper meaning in life.
It begins with Lucky waking up in his modest desert home in Piru, California, where he starts his day with a leisurely smoke and some yoga exercises. His refrigerator holds little more than a glass of cold milk, symbolizing his simple lifestyle. After finishing his morning routine, he heads over to his favorite diner for coffee, where he shares a friendly rapport with the owner, Joe, and the staff. Joe, ever the caring friend, urges him to quit smoking for his health. Lucky retorts, confidently asserting that if smoking could kill him, he would have been gone long ago. After engaging in his beloved crossword puzzle, Lucky makes his way to a local market, where he cheekily refers to a boy, Juan, as "Juan Wayne," noting the boy's approaching tenth birthday.
As the sun sets, Lucky finds himself at a bar, enjoying his favorite Bloody Marys among the locals. One regular, named Howard (played by David Lynch), shares his woes over a lost tortoise that has outlived two wives. The next morning, a sudden incident leaves Lucky lightheaded, prompting a visit to Dr. Christian Kneedler (Ed Begley Jr.). The doctor assures him of his good health, referring to him as a "wonder of medical science," a testament to his resilience. A poignant moment occurs as he learns about the death of the doctor’s father, hinting at their long-standing acquaintance.
At the diner, the mood shifts when Lucky expresses his feeling of burdening his friends after his fall by stating, > "What's the fucking point?" Following this, he opens up to a friend over the phone about a childhood regret involving a mockingbird, illustrating the weight of his past memories.
Later, he listens to Paulie (James Darren) recount his marriage story, leading Lucky to reflect on his own life—void of lasting relationships or marriage. A somewhat chaotic moment arises when he witnesses Howard discussing his will with Bobby Lawrence (Ron Livingston), and he interjects, insisting that loneliness is a universal fate.
Days pass, and Loretta (Yvonne Huff), a diner staff member, checks on Lucky, prompting them to reminisce about his military service while indulging in some light-hearted moments, including watching Liberace performances. During a less-than-ordinary day in the diner, Lucky confides in Bobby about his recent fall, sparking a conversation about being prepared for life's unpredictable turns.
In search of companionship, Lucky visits a pet store but opts for a pack of crickets instead of adopting a small animal. At a diner the following morning, he strikes up a conversation with Fred, a fellow veteran who shares a haunting experience from World War II, highlighting a moment of unexpected joy amid chaos—a Buddhist girl smiling as fate loomed.
As Lucky attends Bibi's son Juan's birthday celebration, he finds warmth in the gathering and sings a heartfelt song, displaying a side of him that embraces connection. His usual evening at the bar leads to deeper discussions about life's transient nature. While enjoying a cigarette against Elaine's wishes (played by Beth Grant), he philosophically remarks that all things must eventually end, which uplifts the atmosphere around him.
The following morning sees Lucky reestablish his routine, this time engaging in cleaning his house for the first time in months. During his daily walk, he encounters a significant cactus—symbolic of endurance—before breaking the fourth wall with a direct smile into the camera. In a concluding twist of fate, Lucky's solitary journey is graced by a tortoise crossing his path, potentially a nod to Howard's beloved pet, representing life’s circle and its delicate continuance in the vast desert.
