Poppy Valentine, a young circus performer who has grown up in her family's traveling circus, has never dreamed of what life would be like outside of its fences. However, now in her mid-20s and with more unwelcome responsibilities weighing her down, she's desperate to figure out if this life is for her. As she slowly begins to take time for herself, finding independence and even love, she strains her relationship with those around her in the tight-knit circus community. In the end, amidst her overprotective father, stressful circus expectations, and her blossoming curiosity for a life of her own, she must find a way to be happy.