Based on true events surrounding the creation of the atomic bomb, this drama follows the complicated relationship between physicist Leo Szilard (Michael Tucker), scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer (David Strathairn) and Gen. Leslie Groves (Brian Dennehy). Assigned to oversee the project, Groves chooses Oppenheimer to build the historic bomb. But, when World War II inspires the government to use the weapon, Szilard reconsiders his opinions about atomic warfare.