When a nuclear expert-turned-extremist (Micheal Sheen) plants devices in three separate cities, the country's counter-terrorism force springs into action and captures him. But the location of his bombs remains a mystery. With time running out, FBI agent Helen Brody (Carrie-Anne Moss") agrees to work alongside a mysterious interrogator known only as "H" (Samuel L. Jackson), whose ruthless methods get results. But a power struggle develops between Brody, "H' and the terrorist, and what happens next is unbelievable and -- ultimately -- unthinkable.