The initial scene offers a possible insight, depicting “Lee” (Will Poulter) in an unenthusiastic encounter with his fiancée, “Muriel” (Daisy Edgar-Jones). He desires marriage, but she seems hesitant. Her perspective shifts when she notices a shirtless man lounging on their car’s hood – it's his brother, "Julius" (Jacob Elordi), recently back from war leave. Both brothers were meant to return, yet Julius has secured discharge papers, leaving “Lee” obligated to rejoin the army and presumably enter marriage. Advancing through their lives reveals that “Julius” isn’t particularly dependable. He had pledged to start a business with his brother in California, but during his travels, this gambler experiences wins, losses, and eventually finds work at a casino identifying other cheaters. This is where he meets "Henry" (Diego Calva), and the two engage in some playful antics. Meanwhile, “Muriel” and “Lee” are attempting to build a life together in California, but she feels unfulfilled. She works at a diner and gathers racing information, accumulating $12k that she hides behind a mirror in their new home, near where she meets the mysterious "Sandra" (Sasha Calle), who sells eggs. It appears “Julius” has found someone he connects with. What are the prospects for any of them, especially “Lee,” who seems rather ordinary? The film touches upon societal views regarding homosexuality in 1950s America, but it's a perspective we’ve encountered before. The sexual encounters appear even more staged than anticipated; the scenes involving Elordi and Calva suggest neither had brushed their teeth, and the former appears to have bedsheets fastened to his waist with Velcro. The storyline between DEJ and Calle isn’t notably engaging or well-developed, and at just under two hours, I felt somewhat let down by a concept that initially seemed promising but ultimately proved to be superficial entertainment. Perhaps this is the takeaway: the cast are either established stars or on their way to Hollywood prominence, and taking on roles like these can only enhance their skills; however, I found these characters to be unsympathetic and portrayed by actors who added little beyond their physical attractiveness. It's a truly disappointing experience.

Source on TMDB