In New York City, Helen, a struggling artist, meets Bobby, a charismatic heroin addict and small-time hustler, in a chance encounter at a hospital. Drawn to each other's vulnerabilities and the allure of escape from their dreary lives, they quickly fall into a passionate relationship. Bobby introduces Helen to the gritty world of drug addiction that dominates Sherman Square, nicknamed "Needle Park," where dealers and addicts coexist in a near-constant frenzy. Under Bobby's influence, Helen descends into addiction herself, and their fraught love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of chaotic drug culture.

As Helen’s dependence deepens, the couple navigates a series of escalating crises fueled by their addiction. Their lives spiral further out of control as they become entangled in petty crimes to support their habits, drawing the attention of law enforcement. The once tender dynamic between Helen and Bobby grows increasingly toxic as drugs weigh heavily on every aspect of their existence. The city that promised anonymity and freedom now holds them in its grip, trapping them in a cycle of desperation and fleeting moments of solace.