Flight

On October 14, 2011, airline captain Whip Whitaker wakes up in his hotel room in Orlando. He spent the night partying hard with flight attendant Katerina Márquez, filled with heavy drinking, sex, and little sleep.

Before boarding SouthJet flight 227 to Atlanta, Whip resorts to using cocaine to shake off the hangover from the previous night. He is determined to make the flight, despite being separated from his wife and sharing custody of their son.

As the flight departs, Whip navigates the aircraft through severe turbulence while discreetly mixing vodka with orange juice. He takes a quick nap, relying on copilot Ken Evans during this precarious moment.

Whip is suddenly jolted awake as the plane experiences a catastrophic failure, plunging into a steep dive. In a desperate bid to save the flight, he performs an incredible maneuver by rolling the aircraft upside down before crash-landing in a field.

Whip regains consciousness in an Atlanta hospital, where he is informed by his friend Charlie Anderson that his quick actions saved 96 lives. However, the tragedy of losing Katerina and two others weighs heavily on him.

While in the hospital, Whip meets Nicole, a woman recovering from a heroin overdose. They form a bond over their shared struggles with addiction, and Whip promises to visit her after both leave, deepening their connection.

Seeking solitude and a way to escape media attention, Whip retreats to his late father's farm. It is here that he resolves to quit drinking but finds the battle against his addiction increasingly challenging amidst the fallout from the crash.

Struggling with alcoholism, Whip attempts to reconnect with his estranged wife and son, but is met with hostility. This rejection adds to his despair as he becomes increasingly isolated while preparing for the NTSB hearing.

As the NTSB hearing approaches, Whip is confined to a guarded hotel room to avoid drinking. However, temptation proves too strong, and after sneaking alcohol, he wakes up in a disheveled state, exacerbating his troubles.

During the NTSB hearing, lead investigator Ellen Block outlines the technical failures of the aircraft, providing Whip with a sense of relief. However, she reveals evidence of alcohol on board, forcing Whip to confront his actions.

Under intense scrutiny, Whip takes a brave stand by admitting to flying under the influence of alcohol. This courageous decision risks his reputation and freedom but is a step toward owning up to his mistakes.

Thirteen months later, while serving his minimum five-year sentence, Whip shares insights with fellow inmates. Despite the grim circumstances, he feels a newfound sense of freedom and peace as he begins to rebuild relationships.

During his time in prison, Whip makes an effort to maintain contact with Nicole and reconnect with his estranged son. This focus on relationship rebuilding marks a significant shift in his journey towards redemption.

Throughout his imprisonment, Whip confronts his inner demons and the guilt associated with his past actions. This process is crucial in shaping the man he aspires to become, signifying a transformative moment in his life.