Byron (Johnathon Schaech) is driving through the West in a broken-down 1959 Cadillac convertible. He picks up a hitchhiker (Harvey Keitel) who claims to be Elvis on a trip home to celebrate the anniversary of his death. The middle-aged man also says that he's on a mission to lend a hand to those who need it. Byron certainly qualifies for that help — he's still locked up in deep grief over the accidental death of his wife in an automobile accident.
Director David Winkler draws out all the quirky possibilities in this road drama written by Jason Horwitch. Both men are taken by a Marilyn Monroe impersonator (Bridget Fonda), who is a good listener and a great kisser. Byron is amazed by the respect Elvis gets from a policeman, a waitress, and several garage mechanics. It seems that the King has an eerie influence over the hearts and minds of others. At one point he tells Byron: "There's no such thing as coincidence. All you've got to do is open your eyes and ears and you'll see the beauty in fate." Yes, indeed. The healing balm of grace that Elvis bestows upon Byron is a wonder to behold.
