Maverick hostage negotiator Danny Roman (Jackson) is framed for embezzlement and murder. Newly married and unjustly faced with prison, Roman turns hostage-taker to smoke out the guilty ones. Squaring off against him is respected, methodical negotiator Chris Sabian (Spacey). Under siege and racing the clock, the two lock in a deadly battle of wits. F. Gary Gray directs the leads and a top ensemble cast (including David Morse and J.T. Walsh) in a story honed with spiraling tension and volatile action. In a dazzling series of twists and gambits, Roman and Sabian face off against time and each other.