The movie focuses on Valens' early life and career, but also touches on his tragic death at the age of 17 in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. The film uses Valens' last performance in Iowa as a framing device, highlighting the impact his music had on fans and his friends.
While not the central focus of the film, the ending shows how Valens' music continued to live on after his death, cementing his legacy as a rock and roll pioneer. The movie highlights the lasting impact of his music and the tragedy of his untimely passing.