The Go-Getter

The story unfolds across a string of West Coast towns, beginning in Eugene, Oregon, and moving through Shelter Cove’s bohemian milieu before crossing into Nevada and California. Mercer’s quest then takes him through Reno, Fallon, Mojave, and Sacramento, with detours to Ensenada, Mexico, and finally Los Angeles. The settings range from a pottery commune to salvage yards and hotels, each place shaping Mercer’s decisions and slipping him deeper into his search for Arlen and his sense of belonging.

🚗 Road Trip

Mercer’s journey is a moving maze across the West, where each stop tests his resolve and broadens his circle of influence. The road acts as both escape and catalyst, pulling him toward new faces and new risks. Encounters along the way blur the line between search and escape, pushing Mercer to redefine what he’s seeking.

🕯️ Grief & Loss

The death of Mercer’s mother casts a long shadow over the trip, driving him to reconnect with a fractured family. Grief intensifies his impulsiveness and craving for connection, influencing how he reads people and situations. The journey becomes a way to process loss, even as it complicates relationships and compromises judgment.

💘 Desire & Temptation

Mercer’s interactions with Joely and Kate introduce romance and sexual tension that threaten to derail his mission. Jealousy and longing complicate loyalty, revealing how attraction can distract from a painful truth. The film uses these entanglements to explore how need and desire shape choices on the road.

🤝 Family Bonds

The pursuit of Arlen centers on reclaiming family ties and confronting past wounds after their mother’s death. The half-brothers’ uneasy interactions expose trust issues, yet also the longing for reconciliation. The road toward mutual understanding remains imperfect, ending with a fragile plan to honor their mother together.