Earl suffered head trauma, causing a memory condition known as CRS disease—“backwards amnesia.” He cannot make new short-term memories. Earl is on the hunt to kill the man who raped and murdered his wife. But, with his stifled memory, he must rely on peculiar practices to ensure he can collect memories that will point him in the right direction. He has tattoos on him reminding him of certain facts and photographs of vivid incidents. He lives in a cycle of trying to accomplish his seemingly futile goal.