Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.

September 1998. The millennium approaches. As they prepare for Y2K, two teenagers set out to find the legendary Mojave Payphone led by their mentor - the unhinged conspiracy theorist Captain Zeno. When they reach their quarry, however, things take a turn.