Cris Johnson (Nicolas Cage) was born with the unique, if somewhat limited, ability to see up to two minutes into his own future. The only exception to this two minute limitation is in the case of a particular woman, Liz Cooper (Jessica Biel), who is a recurring vision in Cris' dreams - he saw her days before he first met her. With the government having tormented him for years because of his ability, he has generally kept a low profile, utilizing his unique ability as a Las Vegas showroom magician (going by the show name "Frank Cadillac") and small-time gambler. It is revealed to Cris that the reason the FBI, headed by special agent Callie Ferris (Julianne Moore), has been tracking him in the recent past is to acquire his aid in preventing a nuclear bomb detonation in Los Angeles. Following this, Cris meets the woman of his dreams in a restaurant. The two become friendly, and begin a cross-country trip. The FBI catch up, and it becomes apparent that the attackers possesing the nuclear bomb have followed them to Cris. Following an attempted escape, Cris agrees to join forces with the FBI. After an all-out attack on the would-be bombers, in which Cris demonstrates his ability to see into multiple possible futures simultaneously, the FBI, led by Cris, save Liz (who had been captured by the bombers), however, once they reach a nuclear activity detector, he realizes he has made a mistake and, just then, the nuclear bomb detonates, wiping out everyone. It is then revealed that the whole experience after Cris joins forces with the FBI has been another of Cris' simulations. He corrects his mistake by not involving Liz and then, once more, joins forces with the FBI. He is last seen driving away with the FBI, in the hope of saving millions of lives.