The story is set in a United States torn apart by a civil war. The federal government, led by an authoritarian president, is facing secessionist movements. Lee Smith, a war photographer, and his journalist colleague Joel survive a suicide bombing and plan to interview the isolated president. They are joined by their mentor Sammy, and later, a young aspiring photojournalist named Jessie Cullen.

During their journey, they witness the brutality of the war, including torture and executions. Lee recognizes Jessie’s potential as a war photographer and mentors her. They encounter snipers, a mass grave, and a deadly encounter with uniformed militia.

Sammy sacrifices himself to save the group, leaving Lee, Joel, and Jessie traumatized. They reach the base of the “Western Forces” in Charlottesville, finding most loyalists have surrendered, leaving Washington, D.C. vulnerable. They decide to join the WF in assaulting the capital.

Inside the White House, they witness a firefight between the remaining Secret Service agents and the WF soldiers. Lee sacrifices herself to save Jessie, who continues into the Oval Office. There, soldiers capture the president and prepare to execute him. Joel delays them to get a quote from the president, who pleads for his life. As Joel lets them proceed, Jessie captures photos of soldiers posing with the president’s corpse.

The film portrays the horrors of war, the desensitization to violence, and the moral compromises made in extreme circumstances. It follows the journey of the characters as they confront the realities of the civil war and the consequences of their actions.