Set in the 1930s American South, the film follows three convicts—Bowie, Chicamaw, and T-Dub—who escape from a Mississippi prison. They immediately return to a life of crime, robbing banks to sustain themselves. Bowie, the youngest of the trio, becomes the central figure as he grapples with the consequences of their criminal activities. During one of their hideouts, Bowie falls in love with a young and innocent woman named Keechie. Their romance offers a glimpse of normalcy and hope amidst the backdrop of their chaotic lives.

As Bowie and Keechie try to forge a life together, the tension between the desire for domestic tranquility and his commitment to his partners-in-crime grows. The gang’s exploits become increasingly desperate as law enforcement closes in. Challenges arise that test Bowie's loyalty to both his love and his comrades, leading him to face critical decisions about his future. The story poignantly captures the tragic ramifications of a crime-ridden life while painting a complex portrait of love, loyalty, and desperation during the Great Depression.