Mysterious and mythical motorcycle racer, Luke, (Ryan Gosling) desperately tries to connect with a former lover, Romina, (Eva Mendes) who secretly gave birth to the stunt rider's son. In an attempt to provide for his new family, Luke commits a series of bank robberies aided by his superior riding ability. The stakes rise as Luke is put on a collision course with an ambitious police officer, Avery Cross, (Bradley Cooper) looking to quickly move up the ranks in a police department riddled with corruption.