Plot Summary

On January 15, 2009, Captain ‘‘Sully’’ Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) guided his severely damaged aircraft onto the icy waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 passengers and crew on board. The world soon hailed the event as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” celebrating an extraordinary act of skill, composure, and experience under unimaginable pressure.

However, public admiration quickly gives way to institutional scrutiny. Despite being praised by the media as a flawless hero, Sully finds himself under intense investigation by aviation authorities who question his decisions during the emergency. As simulations and hearings unfold, his professional judgment — and ultimately his entire career — are placed in jeopardy.

The film shifts its focus away from spectacle and toward the psychological and moral weight of responsibility. Haunted by self-doubt and the relentless pressure of official inquiries, Sully must defend not only his actions but also the human instinct that guided him when technology failed.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, Sully presents a restrained yet powerful portrait of heroism, examining how modern systems evaluate human decision-making. Rather than glorifying disaster, the film honors calm leadership, experience, and integrity — reminding audiences that true heroism often unfolds in moments of quiet resolve.