Maverick hostage negotiaror Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson) is framed for embezzlement and murder. Just 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 (Kevin Spacey). F. Gary Gray (The Italian Job, Be Cool) directs a top ensemble cast (including David Morse and J.T. Walsh) in a story honed with spiralling tension and volatile action – and unfolding via a dazzling series of twists and gambits.