Chill Factor

A covert military experiment conducted on a secluded Pacific island ends in tragedy, resulting in the deaths of 18 American servicemen. This disastrous event haunts Dr. Richard Long, who attempts to come to terms with the trauma that follows him over the years.

Dr. Richard Long, portrayed by David Paymer, relocates to the quaint town of Jerome, Montana, where he tries to rebuild his life. While performing scientific experiments at a local US Army base, he finds solace in fly-fishing with his friend Tim Mason, played by Skeet Ulrich.

Colonel Andrew Brynner, a former military officer, confronts Long after spending a decade in prison for crimes he did not commit. Seeking vengeance against the government he believes betrayed him, Brynner is determined to make those responsible pay for their actions.

Brynner assembles a team of former US Army soldiers who have turned rogue, including the cold and calculating Vaughn. Together, they devise a plan to steal 'Elvis', a highly dangerous blue crystal substance developed during Long's experiments.

Unbeknownst to Brynner, Long had already entrusted Tim with 'Elvis'. He provides Tim with specific instructions on how to handle the volatile substance, emphasizing the critical need to keep it below 50°F to prevent a catastrophic explosion.

Tim Mason and Arlo, an ice cream delivery man played by Cuba Gooding Jr., have a tense encounter with Brynner. Under duress, Arlo agrees to transport 'Elvis', and the three men find themselves caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

As they embark on a perilous journey towards Fort Magruder, the duo faces relentless pursuit from Brynner and his crew. With the threat of discovery, they also have to evade local deputy Pappas, who is equally determined to intercept them.

Upon reaching the military base, Arlo and Mason are ambushed by Brynner and his team. They discover that Brynner plans to detonate the device at an abandoned weapons test site, aiming to leave no witnesses behind.

Just as Brynner seems poised to eliminate them, military reinforcements arrive just in time. They manage to rescue Arlo and Mason, preventing the imminent explosion that would have claimed their lives.

After the rescue, Colonel Vitelli commends Arlo and Mason for their bravery. However, the duo confronts him regarding the government's ongoing engagement with unstable nuclear weapons, seeking accountability for the potential catastrophe.

In a surprising turn, Vitelli offers the pair hush money to keep quiet about the incident and the existence of the weapon. He warns them of severe consequences if they choose to expose the government's actions.

Ultimately, Arlo and Mason depart via helicopter, their fates now intertwined in a shared silence. The events leave them burdened with the weight of unspoken truths and the dark reality of government deception.