Deputy sheriff Joe (David Morse) leads a simple life with his loving family. However, his idyllic existence abruptly changes when his troubled brother Frank (Viggo Mortensen) arrives at Joe's door. Much to the chagrin of his wife (Valeria Golino), Joe wants to help Frank make a better life, but soon discovers that this is a formidable task. As Frank continues his destructive behavior, Joe decides he's had enough, and they square off in a final showdown that pits blood against blood.