Set in the gritty neighborhood of Brooklyn during the 1950s, the story follows a series of interconnected characters struggling with their harsh realities. Among them is Harry Black, an emotionally conflicted union leader grappling with his hidden sexual identity amidst a labor strike. His familial and personal life unravels as he becomes entangled in illicit activities, leading to a dramatic crisis. Alongside Harry's turmoil is Tralala, a disenchanted and self-destructive sex worker who seduces men only to rob them, hoping to find some semblance of control and meaning in her bleak existence. The bar where she works serves as the epicenter for much of the film’s action, depicting the raw and unforgiving environment these characters inhabit.

The narrative also follows other characters, such as a young factory worker caught in the crossfire of gang violence and a trans woman striving for acceptance in a world that often reacts with brutal intolerance. These various threads illustrate the pervasive struggles and dark facets of urban life, encapsulating themes of despair, poverty, and longing for escape. As the characters’ lives converge, their stories reveal the grittiness and complexity of Brooklyn, painting a stark portrait of a community on the edge and individuals teetering between survival and ruin. The film’s raw depiction of their experiences offers a haunting and immersive journey into an unforgiving world.