As a professional pyrotechnician, Donnie spends his days traversing the southland, drifting from show to show. When he has a chance encounter with a local motel owner (Rose) on the night before the Fourth of July show, he is confronted with an opportunity for the genuine emotional connection that he so deeply wants and fears. As the night progresses and sparks begin to fly, Donnie is forced to ask himself what must be sacrificed in order to be happy.