FBI初级特工艾瑞克(Ryan Phillippe 饰)被总部从一件外围任务中召回,奉命监视有重大叛国嫌疑的FBI信息安全部主管罗伯特(Chris Cooper 饰),罗伯特与苏联特工周璇二十余年,但有证据表明罗伯特近几年持续出卖情报给对方。于是艾瑞克以专职助手身份监视罗伯特,随着两人的交往深入,艾瑞克感到罗伯特强硬精干的作风与和谐的家庭氛围同上司布置任务时的说辞颇有出入,为了打消艾瑞克的疑虑,FBI向他公开了此次任务的背景,艾瑞克始知自己成为了调查FBI有史以来最大背叛行为的关键参与者之一,但是面对这样一位深谋远虑的对手,艾瑞克必须小心翼翼的利用罗伯特的每一点信任,在最后的两个月时间中找到直接证据。 本片根据真实事件改编。In February, 2001, Robert Hanssen, a senior agent with 25 years in the FBI, is arrested for spying. Jump back two months: Eric O'Neill, a computer specialist who wants to be made an agent is assigned to clerk for Hanssen and to write down everything Hanssen does. O'Neill's told it's an investigation of Hanssen's sexual habits. Within weeks, the crusty Hanssen, a devout Catholic, has warmed to O'Neill, who grows to respect Hanssen. O'Neill's wife resents Hanssen's intrusiveness; the personal and professional stakes get higher. How they catch Hanssen and why he spies become the film's story. Can O'Neill help catch red-handed "the worst spy in history" and hold onto his personal life?