In a small town in the United States, a young woman named Hazel Flagg is mistakenly diagnosed with a terminal illness. Consequently, her apathetic life turns into a whirlwind of media attention when a local newspaper reporter, Wally Cook, discovers her situation. With the intention of capitalizing on the heartwarming story to revive the declining circulation of his newspaper, Wally embarks on covering Hazel's life as if she were in her final days.
What initially seems like a quick feature story transforms into an epic filled with twists and misunderstandings. Hazel becomes a local celebrity, and while she enjoys her brief fame, she cannot help but fall in love with Wally, who struggles to maintain a professional facade. However, the unexpected twist in the plot occurs when a doctor discovers that, in fact, Hazel is not sick, and it's all been a misunderstanding.
With this revelation, Hazel's life takes an unexpected turn as she faces her new reality and seeks her identity beyond just being a "terminal girl." The film combines comedy and social critique, providing a satirical look at how the media manipulates public perception and highlighting the superficiality of fame. In the end, both characters must confront their true feelings and decide what it truly means to live authentically in a world desperate for drama and emotion.