In the vibrant setting of New York at the end of the 1960s, a young man from Texas named Joe Buck arrives in the big city with grand dreams and a dazzling vision of life. With the intention of becoming a gigolo, he believes that his cowboy looks will lead him to a life of luxury and pleasure. However, he soon discovers that the harsh reality of the metropolis does not align with his fantasies.
Desperate and directionless, Joe encounters Ratso Rizzo, a quirky and disabled antihero who lives in the misery of the streets. Despite their differences, they form a strange but deep friendship driven by their mutual need to survive in a hostile world. As Joe tries to find his place in the city, Ratso teaches him the old tricks of the human trade and how to navigate the dangerous waters of the underworld.
As the story progresses, the friendship between Joe and Ratso flourishes, but it also confronts the harsh reality of unmet expectations and loneliness. Their dreams fade away, and life becomes a constant struggle. Set against a backdrop of iconic music and innovative cinematography, this poignant tale explores the desperate search for love and belonging in a world that often strips them of all meaning. It is a raw and bold portrayal of the cynicism of its time and a reminder of the fragility of human dreams.