Wallace Avery (Colin Firth) hates his job. He's blown his one shot at living his dream, and his relationships are in shambles. Not wanting to face his life, he stages his death and purchases a new identity as Arthur Newman. His hope-filled new existence is soon interrupted by beautiful, reckless and exciting Mike (Emily Blunt). Together they hit the road—not only stealing the identities of those they encounter, but engaging in an elaborate game of role play and crime that lead far from home.