Starlet

Jane, who prefers the name Tess, is introduced as a 21-year-old navigating a chaotic life in Chadworth, Los Angeles. She lives with dysfunctional roommates Melissa and Mikey, who are heavily into drugs, and is accompanied by her beloved Chihuahua, Starlet.

As Tess attempts to personalize her living space, she faces restrictions from Melissa regarding painting the room. This conflict arises from Mikey's need to use the room for his drug-related activities, highlighting the challenges Tess faces in her environment.

Motivated to change her surroundings, Tess goes furniture hunting at local yard sales. During one of these outings, she encounters an elderly woman named Sadie, from whom she purchases a thermos.

Upon returning home, Tess opens the thermos and is shocked to discover nearly $10,000 in cash hidden inside. This windfall initially allows her to indulge in luxury items for herself and Starlet, as well as finance her drug habits.

Although Tess enjoys the newfound wealth, guilt soon sets in. She resolves to return the money to Sadie, but her visit to the elderly woman takes an unexpected turn when Sadie dismisses her without explanation.

Curiosity drives Tess to follow Sadie, which leads to a blossoming friendship. She begins offering Sadie rides and surprises her at bingo, paying for Sadie's taxi rides, further strengthening their bond.

The friendship encounters a setback when an innocent question about finances results in Sadie spraying Tess with mace. This unfortunate situation creates tension and misunderstandings between the two women.

After a brief period of distance, Sadie apologizes to Tess. In their conversation, Tess fabricates a story about moving to California to find herself, while Sadie reveals her tragic past as a widow, reflecting on her husband's gambling addiction.

As the story unfolds, it is revealed that both Tess and Melissa are involved in the porn industry. Tess's reliable performances starkly contrast with Melissa's struggles, adding complexity to Tess's life choices and relationships.

While attending a porn convention in Las Vegas, Tess leaves Starlet in Sadie's care. When the dog goes missing, it causes significant tension in Tess and Sadie's friendship, raising concerns and emotions about their evolving bond.

Tess proposes an extravagant trip to Paris, funded by the cash she found. Sadie resists this idea, showing her desire to maintain independence despite the temptations brought on by the found money.

Tension escalates when Melissa confronts Tess about spending money on plane tickets instead of sharing it. This confrontation culminates in an explosive argument that leads to Tess being thrown out of their shared home.

On the way to the airport, Tess makes a stop at a cemetery to pay respects to Sadie's deceased husband. This visit is eye-opening for Tess, as she learns about Sadie's daughter’s grave, adding depth to their emotional journey.

The cemetery visit sets the stage for a deeper exploration of both women's pasts and their complex emotional landscapes. It emphasizes the intertwining relationships and the hidden histories that shape their lives.