The film follows Lou Jean Poplin, a determined young woman who persuades her husband, Clovis, to escape from a minimum-security prison facility in Texas, where he is serving the last four months of his sentence. Lou Jean insists that they must reunite with their son, Langston, who has been placed into foster care with plans for adoption. Driven by desperation to reclaim their child, Lou Jean and Clovis embark on a frantic journey across the state armed with nothing but hope and urgency. They commandeer a patrol car, taking the young officer inside, Slide, hostage. As the situation spirals, news of their escapade spreads, and law enforcement establishes a tail forming a prolonged caravan across rural Texas.

The media quickly picks up the story, dubbing it a quirky yet tense pursuit. The couple's odyssey turns into a media sensation, garnering support from the public who view them as underdogs trying to reunite their fractured family. As the couple interacts with Officer Slide, an odd empathy develops between the captors and their captive, adding complexity to the charged situation. However, the road towards their goal is fraught with growing tension, as the mounting police presence looms steadily behind. The couple’s determination and recklessness lead to unforeseen consequences as the facade of adventure gives way to the harsh reality of their predicament. While initially propelled by a heartfelt mission, their journey soon tests their resolve and the strength of their relationship under dire circumstances.