A washed-up former rodeo star and horse breeder named Mike Milo is tasked by his ex-boss, Howard Polk, with a job that could serve as a shot at redemption. Mike is to travel from Texas to Mexico City and bring back Howard's young son, Rafo. Howard alleges that Rafo is living with his alcoholic mother, Leta, who is neglecting him. Despite being years removed from his heyday and grappling with his own demons, Mike grudgingly agrees to the mission as a way to repay a longstanding debt of loyalty to Howard.

Upon arriving in Mexico, Mike finds Rafo involved in illegal cockfighting with his pet rooster, Macho. In an attempt to fulfill his obligation and return the boy to his father, Mike realizes that Rafo is wary of leaving his life in Mexico and his estranged mother. As Mike and Rafo journey back to Texas, an unlikely bond starts to form between them. Their road trip is filled with challenges and Mike begins to see strength and potential in the young boy. However, their path is fraught with unexpected roadblocks, forcing both to confront their pasts and their fears. The journey becomes more about the lessons of life, masculinity, and redemption they share than the physical distance they travel.