In the arid landscape of the Old West, a humble farmer named Dan Evans finds himself at a crossroads. With his family on the brink of ruin and a life marked by constant struggle, he receives an unexpected opportunity to change his fate. Evans decides to join a group of men tasked with escorting a notorious criminal, Ben Wade, to prison. Wade, a charismatic outlaw with a knack for getting out of any situation, is captured after a violent train robbery, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
As the train to the prison approaches, the men guarding Wade must confront not only the threat of the criminal's henchmen trying to rescue him but also their own fears and doubts. Evans, who merely sought a bit of money and redemption, finds himself increasingly entangled in a game of wits and survival. The relationship between him and Wade turns into a constant tug-of-war, filled with irony and tension.
The story unfolds amidst a climate of despair and courage, where Evans, despite his insignificance and fragility, discovers what it truly means to be a man. Ultimately, the journey becomes a confrontation between morality and greed, revealing each individual's capacity to shape their own destiny in a world filled with shadows and tough decisions.