Rio Cutler, portrayed by Jake Schur, finds himself on a perilous journey across the vast Southwestern United States, determined to rescue his sister, Sara, played by Leila George, from the clutches of their malevolent uncle, Grant Cutler, brought to life by Chris Pratt. This desperate mission stems from a tragic event where Rio was compelled to take action against his father, who refused to stop harming their mother. In a moment of distress, Rio shot his father, leading Grant to abduct Sara in a fit of wrath over his brother's death.
Fueled by vengeance, Grant pursues Rio, sustaining a stab wound during the confrontation, but the siblings manage to break free and seek refuge in a decrepit shack as they prepare to meet their mother’s friend in Santa Fe. Their journey soon spirals into chaos as they cross paths with the infamous Billy the Kid, skillfully portrayed by Dane DeHaan, and his motley crew, including characters played by Chris Bylsma, Keith Jardine, Charlie Chappell, and Chad Dashnaw. In a compelling conversation, Rio shares a picture of his mother with Billy, who reveals a hauntingly similar experience of having killed his father in defense of his own mother.
This fateful day unfolds further as they encounter Sheriff Pat Garrett, who is tirelessly chasing down Billy the Kid. A violent shootout erupts, leading to the capture of Billy and his gang. As Rio and Sara lose themselves in the turmoil, they find themselves caught in the web of legendary outlaws and lawmen, where every choice could seal their fate. Rio ventures outside against Sara's warnings, uncautiously believing it might lead to safety, and finds himself embroiled in a tense interrogation by Sheriff Garrett, played by Ethan Hawke, regarding their family's traumatic history.
As events unfold, the posse takes a critical stop at a Mexican ranch, where Billy rekindles his romance with his lover, amidst growing hostility towards Garrett. Rio cleverly aids Billy's escape, slipping him butter to free himself from the shackles, as tensions with Garrett escalate dramatically. The plot thickens when Rio contemplates confessing his father's murder to Garrett, but is thwarted by his sister's fears of the consequences that accompany such a revelation.
Upon reaching Santa Fe, Sheriff Romero, portrayed by Vincent D'Onofrio, sets his sights on executing Billy, but Garrett asserts his jurisdiction as a federal officer. During this chaotic backdrop, Sara seizes the opportunity to flee with Rio as distractions abound, while Grant waits ominously in Santa Fe, threatening Sara with the horrors of a wretched fate.
In this pivotal moment, Rio learns about his former acquaintances like Dave, facing the gallows. Dave hands Rio a note from Billy that hints at a plan to help locate Sara. Thus, Rio is thrust into a critical decision; he must navigate a world teetering between the life of an outlaw or developing into a man of integrity. Fueled by courage, he embarks on a journey to Lincoln County in search of Billy's aid, as their fates intertwine.
However, confusion clouds his path as he realizes Billy's true intentions are far from heroic. While the pair attempts to escape, Rio ultimately faces an enigmatic decision that reverberates through his soul, leading to him revealing crucial information to Sheriff Garrett, which ends in a tragic showdown, leaving Billy fatally wounded.
As the dust settles from the violent encounters, Rio confronts the savage realities of his uncle Grant's intentions and stands firm alongside Garrett as they hunt for the truth. A dramatic showdown ensues, culminating in an epic gunfight where bravery is measured against brutality. As Grant faces his reckoning, it is an unexpected distraction from Sara that allows Rio to act, leading to a moment of redemption through violence.
In the aftermath, Sheriff Garrett imparts wisdom to Rio and Sara, reinforcing the importance of their shared humanity while encouraging them that fear is merely a stepping stone toward achieving goodness in life. As they ride off into the sunset, Rio urges Sara to hold on to hope and remember that despite the darkness, one must continue striving to uncover the light in their lives.
