Hank Palmer, played by Robert Downey Jr., is a prominent defense attorney based in Chicago, who finds himself estranged from his family in the small town of Carlinville, Indiana. His life takes a sudden turn when he receives the heartbreaking news of his mother’s passing while in court. With a tumultuous divorce underway and a bitter custody battle for his young daughter Lauren looming, Hank is reminded by his estranged wife Lisa of his disconnection from their daughter’s life, causing him frustration and anger, especially as he grapples with Lisa's infidelity with her old college sweetheart.
Upon returning to Carlinville, Hank reconnects with his brothers, Glen, played by Vincent D'Onofrio, who manages a tire shop, and Dale, an aspiring filmmaker portrayed by Jeremy Strong, who effortlessly captures moments on his ever-present 8mm camera. Hank’s initial visits are filled with nostalgia and awkwardness as he visits the local courthouse, observing his father, Judge Joseph Palmer, played by Robert Duvall. Known simply as "The Judge," he is a stern figure who believes in holding people accountable for their actions, though he seemed to have forgotten his bailiff's name.
At the funeral, a frosty reunion occurs, as Hank and Joseph's relationship is strained with unspoken resentments. The family breakfast turns into an embarrassing moment when Hank discovers he was left out, highlighting his isolation in the family dynamics. Amidst this, Hank rekindles his past romance with Sam, played by Vera Farmiga, a diner waitress who has been rooted in the town for two decades. Their history hangs heavy as they navigate their feelings.
Soon after, Hank learns that Judge Joseph is under scrutiny for a hit-and-run accident that left Mark Blackwell, a man whom Joseph had sentenced years ago, dead. Amidst this legal turmoil, prosecutor Dwight Dickham, played by Billy Bob Thornton, aims to secure a first-degree murder conviction against the aging judge. The dynamics shift as Joseph, dutifully refusing Hank’s help, opts for local attorney C.P. Kennedy, portrayed by Dax Shepard, who proves ineffective in defending such a complex case.
As Hank navigates the courtroom proceedings, he discovers a shocking truth about Joseph’s health, finding out that the Judge has been receiving treatment for terminal colon cancer, which suggests that his memory failure could be linked to his condition. However, Joseph’s strong desire to uphold his legacy leads him to reject a valid defense strategy that could potentially exonerate him. Hank is torn between familial loyalty and the moral high ground he believes should be taken.
In a series of shocking courtroom revelations, Hank’s attempts to establish reasonable doubt lead to unexpected results. Joseph’s testimony during the trial unveils deep-rooted issues between father and son, dating back to a youthful indiscretion that resulted in Glen's injury. Ultimately, the Judge’s confession hints at a complex blend of personal guilt and familial expectations.
As the trial concludes with Joseph being convicted of voluntary manslaughter, he finds himself facing a brief sentence before receiving compassionate parole due to his illness. A tender moment shared between Hank and Joseph while fishing solidifies their reconciliation. Tragically, Joseph passes away peacefully in the boat, leaving Hank with a patchwork of memories and unresolved feelings. Finally, Hank returns to the courtroom once dominated by his father, symbolically spinning the judge's chair, where it eerily stops, now pointed at him.
