In the year 1983, a lavish gathering unfolds at an impressive mansion in Los Angeles, where a man named Bruce inadvertently steps away from the festivities and meets a tragic fate when he is struck by a speeding vehicle. Following the somber event of his funeral, a group of friends consisting of Graham, Martin, and Tim find themselves indulging in drinks alongside Raymond on the terrace of a luxurious hotel. Amidst this gathering, it is Raymond who is genuinely heartbroken, shedding tears over Bruce’s untimely demise, only to be dismissed by the others. Their disregard prompts Graham to pursue Raymond as he departs.
Graham Sloan, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton, is the offspring of a wealthy but estranged couple. He enjoys a life filled with luxury, cruising in a Porsche, residing in extravagant hotel rooms, and engaging in drug dealing. Graham's father, William, a film producer, is entangled in an affair with a local television anchorwoman named Cheryl Moore, while his own wife dabbles in a romantic liaison with Martin, Graham’s best friend. Meanwhile, Graham remains aware of his girlfriend Christie’s infidelities, which include her encounters with several men, amongst whom is the bisexual and successful rock video producer, Martin. In a perplexing twist, Graham and Martin find themselves in a secret sexual relationship, reflective of the tangled web of connections they share.
The narrative also introduces a wild rock singer named Bryan Metro who arrives in Los Angeles for a whirlwind of fame and debauchery. His days are spent indulging in activities that include forgoing personal safety—leading to a mishap in his hotel room where he accidentally injures his hand. A frantic phone call from his manager chastising him for his antics reveals the perilous nature of his lifestyle, as they discuss potential roles in a B-movie aimed at profiting from his unstable fame. Bryan, often disoriented, finds momentary distraction when he spots a young girl watching television, but his behavior crosses unsettling boundaries, showcasing his tumultuous state of mind.
Simultaneously, Jack, who serves as a hotel doorman in Christie's absence, arrives in Los Angeles aspiring to make a name for himself as an actor. With modest means, he resides in a dilapidated house, which becomes a shocking setting when his grizzled uncle Peter shows up unexpectedly, claiming he needs shelter. Jack staunchly refuses, wanting to distance himself from the darker aspects of his family's past. However, upon returning home, he encounters his uncle waiting in a battered van, revealing a disturbing connection to a kidnapping scheme. Jack's horror escalates when he discovers that the uncle has abducted a child and has sinister intentions for the boy. Faced with a moral dilemma, Jack pretends to carry out the act of violence but instead chooses compassion, releasing the boy while attempting to mislead his uncle.
In another thread of the storyline, Tim Price’s relationship with his father Les is strained, especially during a trip to Hawaii that was supposed to strengthen their bond. As they share drinks in a bar environment, Tim grows increasingly uncomfortable with his father's inappropriate behavior towards young women. Amidst the farcical moments that arise during a dinner with a potential romantic interest, Tim finds himself alienated, as both his father and the woman mock him, further driving a wedge in their relationship. Tim seeks solace away from his father’s antics, retreating into solitude when confronted.
The tension escalates when Graham confronts Martin about Christie’s fidelity, questioning their unconventional relationships. During a candid discussion, Graham reveals the emotional void he feels, expressing a longing for deeper connections in a life characterized by fleeting encounters clouded by substances. The narrative takes a poignant turn when news reaches Graham that Christie is ill, lying on the beach with visible symptoms of a grave condition. Grappling with his inability to act decisively, Graham visits her, yet chooses to leave her behind, encapsulating the pervasive isolation and melancholy that marks their existence amidst the glitz and glamor of their lives.
