The story follows (Chris O'Donnell), a scholarship student at an elite prep school who takes a job as a companion to Lt. Col. Frank Slade (Al Pacino), a blind, alcoholic retired officer.

Several scenes have become iconic for their emotional resonance and technical execution:

Frank initially views the weekend as a final "hurrah" before ending his life, but his relationship with Charlie—marked by both mentorship and mutual defense—eventually leads him back to a "new lease on life".