The story follows Chris Kyle, an elite sniper in the United States Navy who becomes a legend during the Iraq War, where his ability to take down enemy targets saves countless lives of his comrades. From his childhood in Texas, Chris has been trained in hunting by his father, which shapes his worldview and sense of duty. When he feels called to serve his country after the September 11 attacks, he embarks on a military career that leads him to multiple deployments on the front lines.
As Chris becomes the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, his experiences confront him with moral dilemmas that haunt him even when he returns home. As the war intensifies, his achievements on the battlefield also begin to leave marks on his personal life, affecting his relationship with his wife, Taya, and their children. Taya struggles to understand the price Chris has to pay for his commitment to his country, while he battles with the emotional and psychological aftermath of the war.
The film offers a visceral and profound look at sacrifice, bravery, and the devastating effects that war can have on a person and their family, revealing the internal struggle of a hero involved in a fight that often transcends what is visible on the surface.