Garret Hedlund plays Thomas, a brooding artist in a spiritual funk who leaves the comfort of his Hollywood Hills home to spend a few days in the Mojave desert. Before long, though, he meets Jack (Oscar Isaac), a dangerous, chameleon-like drifter who resents Thomas' wealth and privilege; after a heated campfire conversation, Thomas tries to get away from Jack but in the process accidentally ends up killing an innocent stranger.

Jack witnesses the murder and decides to follow Thomas home, adopting a new identity and relentlessly pursuing Thomas, holding his dark secret over his head as he attempts to infiltrate and destroy his seemingly-perfect life. Thomas must come to terms with his own insecurities and self-doubt to protect himself and his family, and go head-to-head with his nemesis in a riveting two-man clash that plays out in exciting and unexpected ways.