In the bustling and enigmatic Los Angeles of the late 1940s, two detectives, Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, are working on a case that will change their lives forever. The appearance of the corpse of Elizabeth Short, a young woman known as "the Black Dahlia," unleashes a wave of horror and curiosity in the city. With her captivating beauty and tragic fate, the case attracts the attention not only of the media but also of a host of eccentric characters who seem to have something to hide.
As Bucky and Lee investigate, the line between justice and obsession begins to blur. Lee becomes consumed by the case, affecting his relationship with his girlfriend, Kay, an aspiring actress. On the other hand, Bucky, caught in his own internal struggle, finds himself drawn to Kay, further complicating his friendship with Lee. As the detectives delve into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles nightlife, they uncover a labyrinth of secrets that leads them into the darkest corners of the city and themselves.
In a tense and twisted narrative, the detectives are forced to confront their own demons while seeking the truth behind a mystery that continues to haunt society. The oppressive atmosphere and noir aesthetic of the time play a crucial role, highlighting the fragility of life and the eternal thirst for fame.