1930s Hollywood is reevaluated through the eyes of scathing social critic and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish the screenplay of Citizen Kane.

Following the sudden and traumatic loss of his family in the early days of a virulent plague, Carter retreats into the desert, hiding away from what remains of the world. But when a lost girl arrives at his door seeking help, he must confront old wounds and find a way to finally heal... Or bleed out.