Seymour Moskowitz, a ruggedly eccentric parking attendant, has just relocated from New York to Los Angeles, bringing with him a flair for unpredictability that paints the City of Angels in chaos. At the same time, Minnie Moore, a museum curator trapped in a toxic affair with the married Jim, finds herself drowning in disillusionment, grappling with despair after a brutal fight with her lover. While confiding in a friend about the challenges of aging and the elusive nature of true love, Minnie's crisis of existence deepens into a profound struggle.
The following day, Minnie's friends, with the best intentions, set her up on a blind date with Zelmo, a bitter widower known for his loud outbursts. This meeting turns into a complete disaster, ending in Zelmo's hasty retreat and leaving Minnie distraught. In the midst of this chaos, Seymour, stationed in the parking lot, finds himself in a physical showdown with the irate suitor. He emerges victorious, albeit covered in Zelmo's blood. As Zelmo flees, leaving Minnie behind, Seymour insists on giving her a ride to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, despite her initial resistance.
Inside the museum, however, Minnie is met with Jim, who reveals the dark truth that his wife has attempted suicide. Infuriated and wounded, Minnie delivers a striking slap to Jim's face, marking a crucial moment in her emotional awakening. Shortly thereafter, Seymour appears at her door seeking answers regarding his job loss from the parking lot due to the earlier altercation. Reluctantly, she agrees to go out for a drink with him, where he pours out his heart at a hot-dog stand, chastising her for taking life too seriously.
After their spontaneous outing, Seymour invites a mysterious woman to his home, and they share a night together. As days go by, Seymour conducts a series of unique dates with Minnie, including trips to an ice-cream parlor and a country-western bar. Amidst the lively music and dancing, a passionate kiss solidifies their bond. However, when Minnie hesitates to introduce Seymour to her affluent friends at the bar, he becomes furious and storms off, leaving her alone once more.
Just as a well-meaning friend arrives to rescue her, Seymour appears back at her place, his pent-up rage boiling over. This confrontation culminates in an injury to Minnie, serving as a poignant reminder of the turmoil within their relationship. Eventually, as Seymour brings Minnie into his modest home, she admits that her future does not encompass him. Unyielding, he vehemently argues that their love is meant to be eternal, and in a moment of unrestrained emotion, he shaves off his iconic moustache. This act softens Minnie's heart, leading her to agree to become Seymour's lifelong partner.
Their journey continues with a dinner date alongside their mothers, who greet the relationship with skepticism and disappointment. Seymour's mother bluntly tells Minnie that she deserves someone much better than her son, while Minnie's mother is overwhelmed by the sudden announcement, struggling with her emotions about the new addition to their family.
Ultimately, in a surprising twist of fate, Minnie and Seymour exchange vows, their infectious laughter ringing throughout the venue as the minister fumbles his words. In a beautiful flashforward, we catch a glimpse of a sunlit backyard birthday bash, possibly celebrating their new little bundle of joy, surrounded by joyous smiles and cherished memories.
