In a small California town, a regional beauty pageant becomes the focal point of a satirical exploration of American culture. Centered around the contestants, their families, and the pageant organizers, the story peels back the layers of ambition, pretense, and the drive for superficial perfection. The pageant director, a local car dealer, enthusiastically navigates the event with dreams of elevating its status while the choreographer brings his Broadway experience to add flair. The contestants, each with their hopes of stardom, face pressures from themselves and their families, revealing the intense competitive spirit behind the glitz and glamour.

As the pageant progresses, personal stories unfold backstage, capturing moments of vulnerability and determination. The townspeople's involvement reflects broader societal themes as various characters struggle with their own flaws, frustrations, and aspirations. Through this lens, the film critiques the hypocrisies and absurdities inherent in such competitions. The light-hearted yet incisive narrative balances humor with poignant commentary on the pursuit of success and the cost of maintaining appearances in a culture fixated on image.