A young African-American boy named Chiron navigates his troubled childhood in a rough neighborhood of Miami, plagued by a complex relationship with his emotionally absent mother who battles drug addiction. Bullied at school and burdened by the struggles of poverty and his emerging sexuality, Chiron is a silent observer to the volatile world around him. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Juan, a drug dealer who becomes a father figure to him, offering sympathy and understanding to the otherwise ignored and misunderstood boy. Juan, along with his girlfriend Teresa, provides Chiron with moments of respite and tenderness, teaching him valuable life lessons that remain with him as he grows.

As Chiron enters his teenage years, the challenges he faces intensify. He grapples more deeply with his identity and the expectations placed on him by his harsh surroundings. The single ray of hope in his life is his complex friendship with Kevin, a classmate with whom he shares a bond that transcends the harsh reality they both endure. Their relationship becomes a pivotal aspect of Chiron's self-discovery, offering both safety and vulnerability. The journey of self-exploration and the quest for identity in the face of adversity and societal pressures continue to define Chiron's narrative as he transitions from youth to adulthood.