In the bustling streets of New York City, a former hairdresser named J.J. finds his life unraveling as he spirals deeper into heroin addiction. Once optimistic, J.J.'s days are now consumed by the hustle to secure his next fix. His estranged wife, left behind in the pursuit of fleeting highs, contrasts sharply with his current haphazard existence marked by encounters with unsavory characters. J.J.'s problems are compounded by his inability to hold steady work, forcing him into petty crimes and small-time scams. Despite occasional glimmers of hope, each day pulls him further into desperation.

As J.J. navigates this precarious lifestyle, he encounters various people who illuminate different paths his life might take. Among them is a caring social worker who offers a flicker of redemption, presenting paths of potential recovery and stability. Yet, the influence of a carefree lover draws him further into turmoil, highlighting the conflicting urges that tear at J.J.'s soul. Tensions rise when he's involved with unpredictable drug dealers, pushing him towards dangerous edges. The city becomes both a playground and a prison, symbolizing J.J.’s profound internal struggle. As he wrestles with choices of survival, the consequences of his addiction start to close in, leading to pivotal moments that challenge his understanding of freedom and captivity.