Based on a true story, this film focuses on James Brady (Beau Bridges), the press secretary to Ronald Reagan (Bryan Clark) who was severely injured in an attempt on the president's life. When John Hinckley Jr. (Steve Flynn) tries to kill Reagan, he also shoots Brady. Although Brady recuperates, he is left partially paralyzed and continues to heal with the support of his wife, Sarah (Joan Allen). The shooting inspires Brady to seek stricter gun control laws, resulting in the Brady Bill.