In a small southern town, Sam Bowden is a lawyer with a beautiful family and a seemingly idyllic life. However, his past comes back to haunt him when Max Cady, a former client whom Sam failed to defend properly, is released from prison. Cady, having spent years in jail stewing over his perceived betrayal, has meticulously planned his vengeance against the man he holds responsible for his incarceration. With a newfound intelligence and a chilling intensity, Cady sets his sights not just on Sam, but on his wife Leigh and their teenage daughter Danielle, making it clear that his quest for revenge is personal.

As Cady’s torment of the Bowden family escalates, Sam is forced into a desperate struggle to protect his loved ones. Each attempt to evade or confront Cady only seems to embolden the ex-convict further, demonstrating his cunning and determination. The family's once peaceful existence is shattered by fear and paranoia, pushing them to the brink. The tension mounts as Sam contemplates the lengths he is willing to go to save his family and whether he can do so without compromising his own moral and legal principles. The escalation leads to a harrowing confrontation that tests the very limits of the Bowden family's resilience and unity.