Red Rocket

Mikey Saber takes a bus back to his hometown of Texas City, showing signs of bruises on his face. He arrives at his estranged wife Lexi's house and asks to stay temporarily, explaining his dire situation and lack of employment. Lexi and her mother Lil are hostile but allow him to stay after he pays a month's rent.

Mikey tries to find employment but is turned away by potential employers after revealing he hasn't held a real job in 17 years due to his past as an adult film star. He resorts to selling weed for local dealer Leondria to make money, which he begins doing successfully.

Mikey reconnects with neighbor Lonnie, who used to babysit Lexi. Their interaction includes Mikey sharing his porn career, which fascinates Lonnie. Mikey also manages to sell marijuana, growing his income and relationships with locals.

Mikey visits a local donut shop where he becomes enamored with teenager Strawberry, the clerk. He attempts to see her again at night, and they strike up a flirtatious relationship, with Mikey impressing her through jokes and shared joints.

Mikey wins Strawberry over, and she encourages him to sell weed to nearby construction workers. Strawberry reveals she is a few weeks away from turning 18, leading to Mikey becoming more involved in her life.

Mikey discovers Strawberry kissing another guy, Nash, whom she confesses to blowing at prom. Nash confronts Mikey with his parents, leading to a physical fight. Strawberry reaffirms her feelings for Mikey after breaking up with Nash.

Mikey and Strawberry have their first sexual encounter, with Strawberry describing him as 'blessed'. They then go to a strip club for their first date, where Strawberry receives a lap dance, deepening their relationship.

Lexi confesses to Mikey that she has a son, Eric, whom she has lost custody of. She asks Mikey to meet with child services, but his indifference hints at the growing emotional gap between them, leading to a heated argument and her throwing a coffee pot.

Mikey and Strawberry go on a romantic trip to the pier, where she openly admits she knows about his porn past but is still supportive. They later film a private sex session, after which Strawberry plays piano, signifying their closeness.

Convinced that his relationship with Strawberry could jumpstart his career, Mikey plans to bring her into the porn industry. During a drive, Lonnie causes a massive 22-car pile-up, leading to police and media attention, and marking a turning point for Mikey’s aspirations.

Mikey prepares to leave Texas City with Strawberry, intending to return to California. He visits her with flowers and asks her to join him, to which she agrees. Mikey announces his departure, leaving Lexi and her mother with no money, hinting at his upcoming exile.

Mikey’s departure is interrupted when June and her brother Ernesto, called by Lexi and Lil, rob him of his savings and weed. Despite pleading, Mikey is left with only $200 and is forced to leave town, symbolizing his fall from previous hopes.

Mikey walks through the night and morning, out of town with minimal possessions, embodying his fall from stability. He arrives at Strawberry's house, envisioning her greeting him in a bikini, as he is overcome with emotion, signifying both hope and despair.