Two determined students at a West Coast University, Arian and Ernest, follow the inspiration of their idealistic professor, Dr. Malley, and attempt to do something important with their lives. But when the two make the bold decision to join the battle in Afghanistan, Malley is both moved and distraught. Now, as Arian and Ernest fight for survival in the field, they become the string that binds together two disparate stories on opposite sides of America. In California, an anguished Dr. Malley attempts to reach a privileged but disaffected student, who is the very opposite of Arian and Ernest.

Meanwhile, in Washington D.C. the charismatic Presidential hopeful, Senator Jasper Irving, is about to give a bombshell story to a probing TV journalist that may affect Arian and Ernest''s fates. As arguments, memories and bullets fly, the three stories are woven ever more tightly together, revealing how each of these Americans has a profound impact on each other--and the world.

Directed by
Robert Redford

Cast
Robert Redford - Dr. Stephen Malley
Tom Cruise - Senator Jasper Irving
Meryl Streep - Janine Roth
Michael Pena - Ernest
Derek Luke - Arian
Andrew Garfield - Todd
Peter Berg - Wirey Pink

Production Co.
Andell Entertainment
Wildwood Enterprises

Produced by
Andrew Hauptman
Matthew Michael Carnahan
Tracy Falco

Studio
United Artists Films

Writer
Matthew Michael Carnahan