FBI agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) seeks revenge on terrorist Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage), who killed his son six years earlier. While Castor is comatose, Archer adopts his face and identity through the miracles of modern science. Archer, as Castor, then visits Castor's brother Pollux (Alessandro Nivola) in prison to discover the location of a hidden bomb. However, when he awakes, Castor turns the tables by having the same operation performed and taking on Archer's identity, having the FBI agent secured in prison. A confusing game of cat and mouse thus ensues.