A glimpse into the chaotic world of Dark Smith (played by James Duval), an introspective 18-year-old high school film enthusiast in Los Angeles, reveals his surreal quest to find true love amid the impending doom he feels is approaching. Battling his feelings of alienation and the nagging constraints of living with his working-class mother (Beverly D'Angelo), Dark is drawn to Mel (portrayed by Rachel True), a complex bisexual young woman who struggles to fully commit to any relationship as she splits her affections between Dark and her vibrant girlfriend Lucifer (played by Kathleen Robertson), who has a penchant for the outrageous.
On a seemingly ordinary Friday morning, he joins Mel and Lucifer in Mel's car as they set off to their local coffeehouse, The Hole, where they frequently gather for breakfast. They pick up Montgomery (deftly represented by Nathan Bexton), a captivatingly beautiful boy with a mesmerizing dual-colored gaze, adding another layer to Dark's emotional turmoil.
At The Hole, Dark has a deep conversation with his close friend, a queer rock star named Cowboy (depicted by Guillermo Diaz), who is grappling with his own woes, especially concerning his partner, Bart (Jeremy Jordan), who is spiraling into a destructive lifestyle with the trouble-making drug dealer Handjob (Alan Boyce). Meanwhile, the trio of girls including the witty Dingbat (played by Christina Applegate), crafty Alyssa (portrayed by Jordan Ladd), and the timid Polly, affectionately nicknamed Egg (Sarah Lassez), spice up the mix with their spirited plans for a kick-the-can game later that night.
As the friends make their preparations for the evening's festivities, a notable moment unfolds when Egg is swept off her feet in the girls' restroom by a Teen Idol (Jaason Simmons), who, unbeknownst to her, harbors dark intentions. Simultaneously, romantic tensions flare amongst the group, particularly between Ducky (Scott Caan), Egg's brother, and Alyssa, who is inexorably drawn to a charming yet dangerous fellow named Elvis (Thyme Lewis).
The day escalates dangerously when Dark witnesses a bizarre alien incident while waiting at a bus stop, and Egg’s dreamlike encounter devolves into a nightmare, reflecting the film's gripping climax of chaos and desperation. The evening morphs into a surreal kick-the-can game, brimming with hallucinations and anxiety, culminating in yet another supernatural sighting by Dark.
As tensions peak at a raging party hosted by the enigmatic Jujyfruit (Gibby Haynes), tragedy strikes for Bart and Egg, as they each succumb to their harrowing experiences, leading to catastrophic outcomes. Amidst this swirling mix of romance, dread, and teenage angst, the darkness only deepens when Montgomery, who has his own share of alien encounters, shockingly reappears at Dark's home, leading to a grisly revelation that leaves Dark utterly shattered.
As he grapples with despair, facing the losses of friends and the horrifying events that have unfolded, Dark is left to confront his reality while the sun sets over the horizon, hinting at a chilling and uncertain future. In the end, he is blighted by the haunting chaos, closed off from hope as he clings to the remnants of what was once his youthful desire for love and connection.
