In a forgotten town in Nebraska, an elderly man named Woody Grant receives a letter informing him about a supposed prize of one million dollars that he has won in a lottery. Convinced that he must claim his fortune, Woody, though somewhat affected by the ravages of age, decides to embark on a journey on foot to the place where he must collect his money. His family, skeptical and worried about his mental state, does not take him seriously, but his son David, caught in a routine life and burdened by a strange need to connect with his father, decides to accompany him on this journey.
Throughout the trip, both men explore the vast and desolate beauty of the region while confronting memories of the past and the complicated family dynamics. As they travel along the road, they stop in Woody's small hometown, where they reconnect with old acquaintances, friends, and foes, bringing to light family secrets and hidden rivalries.
The story scrapes the surface of fatherhood and the quest for a sense of identity, with endearing humor and a dose of melancholy. With the black-and-white cinematography that accentuates the bleakness of their surroundings and memorable performances, particularly by Bruce Dern as Woody, the film offers a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships, hope, and the small victories in life. In the end, we are reminded that sometimes the true prize is simply the journey shared.