In Enemy Hands

Old film introduces the U-boat threat and its devastating impact. In 1942-1943, German wolfpacks sink thousands of Allied ships, shifting the war's momentum. The Allies place a top priority on stopping the U-boats, aided by new technology and American involvement.

Lt. Cmdr. Randall Sullivan briefs Admiral Kentz about the mission and his future COB, Nathan Travers. Kentz notes Travers is a good man from whom Sullivan can learn. The exchange foreshadows the intertwined fates of the two crews.

Travers prepares to depart while his wife Rachel implores him to promise to come home safe. He reassures her despite the dangers ahead. The scene establishes the personal stakes behind the war.

Two months after the briefing, the Swordfish departs with Sullivan in command and the crew kept in constant drills. An ominous rash on the chest of XO Teddy Goodman concerns the doctor, who suspects meningitis. Sullivan also discovers a rash on his arm, signaling he may be infected as well.

U-429, commanded by Jonas Herdt, survives a depth-charge attack as an American destroyer closes in. Jonas receives news that Hamburg was bombed, and his daughter's school was destroyed with no survivors. The revelation personalizes the war for the German crew.

U-821 sinks the British merchant vessel Achilles, triggering Swordfish to investigate. A distant tune from Glenn Miller hints at a human side amid the war. The Swordfish fires a third torpedo and destroys U-821, but the delay from Goodman’s illness allows the U-boat to strike the Swordfish, severely damaging it and forcing a surface surrender.

After surfacing, Travers, Ox, Cooper, and Miller, along with Sullivan's group, are captured by U-429 and split into two sections. The Germans nurse the prisoners while a meningitis outbreak spreads, threatening both sides. The disease quickly escalates into a desperate race for survival.

Travers and his group break their bonds and fire a torpedo off course, signaling the Logan to their presence. The Logan attacks with depth charges, forcing the U-429 to surface for a clash. Sullivan fights a German guard to protect his men but is killed in the effort.

Meningitis kills a large portion of the German crew, including Romano. Travers is haunted by a vision of his wife Rachel reminding him of his promise to return home. Jonas Herdt chooses to defy protocol and work with Travers' men to maximize their chances of survival.

Klause and two others attempt a mutiny aboard U-429. Abers and Wright subdue Christophe, and Hans knocks out Bauer to protect the mission. Klause fatally stabs Jonas; Travers kills Klause, and Cremer is named the new commander as order is restored.

U-1221 fires several torpedoes at U-429 while the Logan closes in on the scene. The stern torpedo misfires, sparing the U-429 momentarily, but the Logan arrives and destroys the U-429 with gunfire and depth charges, ending the German threat.

Captain Littleton orders Travers to take the Enigma; Travers pretends the U-429 is sinking and disconnects from the Logan to protect his prize. The crew floods the submarine and is rescued by the Logan, keeping their mission and survival intact.

Travers returns home and confronts Admiral Kentz about the Germans saving their lives. Kentz reframes the war as ongoing, but promises to take care of the survivors. Travers and Rachel visit Cremer in a POW camp, thanking him for saving her husband.

Travers and Cremer acknowledge Jonas Herdt's mercy, recognizing that lives were saved on both sides. They sense the war will end soon and that the two sides will eventually go home. Travers gives Cremer cigarettes as a final gesture before parting.