In 1950's Beirut, American artist Sally Tyler (Sharon Stone) encounters handsome London Times correspondent Leo Cauffield (Rupert Everett), an articulate and educated stranger who was once the head of MI6's counter espionage division.

Unable to live with the tormented secrecy of their burgeoning relationship, Sally leaves her husband and pursues a life of adventure with the enigmatic Leo, until suddenly, he disappears without a trace.

When told that Leo has defected to Communist Russia, Sally is forced to delve into his past and assemble the mysterious jigsaw that hides the shocking truth, unmasking one of the most successful and infamous spies of the Cold War era.

In a thrilling life-and-death climax, she ultimately comes face-to-face with the age-old conflict between love and duty as East and West collide at a unique time in the 20th century history.