Based on a renowned true story, this drama follows college student and newspaper heiress Patty Hearst (Natasha Richardson) as she is abducted at the hands of left-wing extremists. Held captive by members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, Hearst is exposed to their beliefs and eventually cooperates with the group, even taking part in a number of bank robberies. Later, Hearst is apprehended, and authorities must determine how to deal with her highly unusual case.