In the early days of the Cold War, New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks) defended Soviet intelligence agent Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance). At that time, relations between the United States and the Soviet Union were tense. James still adhered to the principles of fairness and justice and defended Abel without bias. Albert admired his integrity and Abel's loyalty. Although he lost the case in the end, the two established a subtle friendship. Not long after, the U.S. military U2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft was shot down by the Soviet military while performing a confidential mission. James was employed by the CIA to negotiate with the Soviet Union on behalf of the United States, trying to negotiate prisoner exchange conditions with the Soviet Union in an extremely slim chance to rescue the hijacked American pilot. The film is adapted from the real experience of American lawyer James Donovan.