The movie is about Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson), a well known police negotiator, who is trying to prove his innocence. Danny is being framed and accused of murder and embezzlement. In order to find out who is behind this plot against him, Danny decides to take hostages. Knowing all there is to know about negotiation, Danny is able to get a fellow negotiator, Chris Sabian (Kevin Spacey) involved, thinking he can buy time and at the same time save his own life. Chris’s attempts to achieve a peaceful ending are repeatedly interrupted by outside authorities. Now Chris and Danny have to work together.