A neurotic and self-doubting screenwriter struggles with the seemingly impossible task of adapting a non-fiction book into a screenplay. The book, "The Orchid Thief," is about the real-life exploits of a passionate orchid poacher in Florida. The screenwriter's difficulty stems from the book's lack of traditional narrative structure and his own personal crises, including his battles with writer's block, feelings of inferiority when compared to his more successful twin brother, and his longing for a romantic connection. The screenplay's progress is hindered by the protagonist's incessant self-reflection and obsession with the essence of storytelling, leading him to constantly question his abilities and the nature of creative adaptation.

Meanwhile, threads of the screenwriter's story intertwine with flashbacks depicting the book's content. The narrative explores the life of the orchid thief, his love for plants, and the depth of his obsession with the rare Ghost Orchid. It also delves into the backstory of the author of "The Orchid Thief," reflecting her experiences with the thief, her fascination with the beauty and intrigue of the orchid underworld, and her own personal desires. As the screenwriter becomes more engrossed in the book's world and the lives of its subjects, the boundaries between his screenplay, the book, and his reality begin to blur, mirroring the chaotic process of adaptation itself.