In the sweltering, sand-swept deserts of the American West, a fiercely independent Burning Man devotee's quest for love and meaning takes an ominous turn when her traumatic past collides with a shadowy organization that recruits from society's fringes, compelling her to confront her deepest desires and unleash her lethal instincts.

SYNOPSIS:

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Burning Man, 'Whippoorwill' follows the journey of Ashley, a free-spirited 23-year-old who embodies the festival's ethos of self-expression and liberation. The story opens with a mesmerizing scene of the festival, where Ashley performs as a fire dancer, captivating the crowd with her fiery spirit. As the festival draws to a close, she packs up her vintage VW micro-bus, reflecting on the fleeting connections made among fellow festival-goers, particularly a young woman with whom she shares an intimate moment, hinting at her fluid sexuality.

Post-festival, Ashley embarks on a road trip, but her adventure takes an unexpected turn when her bus breaks down in the desolate Nevada desert. Stranded and frustrated, she encounters a chicken, whimsically naming it Myrtle, and bravely confronts a coyote, showcasing her resilience. As she continues her journey, a radio announcement about a missing girl, Sarah Gilman, piques her curiosity and foreshadows darker undertones lurking within her adventure.

While driving along the 'Loneliest Road in America,' Ashley picks up Cody, a ruggedly handsome hitchhiker with a mysterious past. Their chemistry is palpable; as they share stories, they bond over their journeys of self-discovery, with Cody’s ranching background contrasting Ashley’s bohemian lifestyle, creating dynamic interplay between their characters.

Their journey brings them to Middlegate Station, a quirky bar filled with locals and outlaws. Here, Ashley shines as she dances and engages with Rick, the bartender and war veteran, fending off the unwanted advances of Scruffy Local, a drunken patron with dubious intentions. The atmosphere shifts when they overhear discussions about the missing girl. Ashley's intrigue deepens as she learns about the disappearances that have haunted the area for years, hinting at the darker narrative just beneath the surface of their adventure.

As they leave the bar, Ashley’s mischievous side comes to the forefront when she steals a set of keys from Scruffy Local, showcasing her rebellious spirit. This act of defiance leads them to explore the stark beauty of the Nevada landscape, though it raises concerns about their safety and the potential dangers ahead. Their playful banter continues as they traverse the rugged terrain, but tension builds as they confront the frightening realities of the desert and the haunting stories of those who have vanished.

The turning point of the pilot occurs when Ashley and Cody are revealed to be serial killers intent on killing each other until a dangerous scuffle unexpectedly morphs into a passionate moment of intimacy. This encounter solidifies their bond, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of their journey. As they lay together afterward, they reflect on the strange coincidences that connected them, hinting at a deeper connection that transcends their initial attraction.

As they continue their journey, Ashley grapples with her identity and the choices she faces. The arrival of a mysterious woman, Jasmine, complicates matters further. Jasmine, who has been tracking Ashley, reveals a sinister agenda, enticing her to embrace her latent potential as a killer. The stakes escalate as Ashley must confront her past and decide whether to join Jasmine's elite group of assassins or maintain the life of freedom she's found with Cody.

In the end, 'Whippoorwill' is a tale of self-discovery, love, and haunting echoes of the past. It explores the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a vast and unforgiving landscape, leaving audiences questioning the choices we make and the paths we choose to follow.

WHIPPOORWILL