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