In the midst of the Cold War, a technical malfunction sends an American bomber group past the "fail-safe" point, beyond which they must proceed to drop their nuclear payload on Moscow. The President of the United States and his advisors struggle to communicate with the pilots and recall the bombers before they unleash a catastrophic war. They negotiate frantically with the Soviet Premier, trying to convince him that the attack is accidental and to prevent a nuclear retaliation that could end civilization.

As tensions heighten and options dwindle, the President makes a series of harrowing decisions, consulting with advisors who hold differing views on military strategy and diplomatic relations. Communication breakdowns, human errors, and escalating panic result in a tense standoff as both nations grapple with the impending consequences of technology outstripping human control. The film meticulously examines the impact of modern warfare technology on humanity, focusing on realism, suspense, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in power.