In the midst of the Gulf War, a U.S. Army officer, Colonel Nathaniel Serling, finds himself grappling with his own demons following a tragic incident during a mission that resulted in the deaths of his men. Caught in a spiral of guilt and trauma, he is assigned an seemingly simple task: to investigate a recommendation for a Medal of Honor that would be awarded to a fallen pilot, Captain Karen Emma Walden.
As Serling delves into the circumstances surrounding Walden's death, he encounters a more complex picture than he ever imagined. His interviews with survivors and fellow officers of the captain bring uncomfortable truths to light, revealing a narrative of bravery, sacrifice, and desperation amidst chaos. Walden's story intertwines with Serling's, questioning not only the nature of heroism but also the truth behind war and the meaning of honor.
With unexpected twists and an impressive cast that includes Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan, this film becomes a profound study of morality and the internal struggle of a man seeking redemption as he faces one of the most difficult decisions of his life. In the end, the real question is: what does it mean to be a hero in a world where truth is often distorted?