Devotion

As the United States emerges from the ravages of World War II, it embarks on a massive undertaking to forge its Naval Aviation arm into a formidable force. In the early 1950s, Lieutenant Tom Hudner (Glen Powell) arrives at Quonset Point Naval Air Station, where he finds himself among the ranks of Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32). It is here that he meets Ensign Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors), the pioneering African American member of the unit, whose trailblazing spirit and unwavering dedication to duty are tempered by the weight of being a minority in a predominantly white environment.

As Hudner settles into his new surroundings, he finds himself drawn to Brown's unorthodox approach to life, which often sees him operating outside the boundaries of protocol. This affinity is reciprocated as Brown begins to rely on Hudner for rides and introductions to his family, including his wife Daisy (Christina Jackson) and their young daughter Pam. The bond between the two men grows stronger still as they navigate the challenges posed by racist neighbors, who seek to undermine Brown's confidence and sense of self-worth.

With their training complete, VF-32 is deployed to the USS Leyte, a mighty aircraft carrier commanded by Captain T.U. Sisson (Dean Denton), which sets sail for the Mediterranean Sea in a bid to deter Soviet aggression. As tensions simmer beneath the surface, Brown's profile is featured in Life Magazine, highlighting his status as the only African American aviator on board. However, rather than being drawn into a narrative of struggle and triumph, Brown remains resolute in his commitment to serving his country, refusing to be defined by the external pressures that seek to shape his identity.

Despite this, the challenges faced by Brown are very real, as he is subjected to a constant barrage of petty harassment from a particular Marine who takes pleasure in undermining his sense of self. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, Brown remains steadfast in his duty, his unwavering dedication to his craft and his country inspiring those around him to re-examine their own biases and prejudices. As Hudner and Brown navigate the treacherous waters of military life, they forge a bond that transcends racial barriers, one that is rooted in a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie.

As the squadron navigates the skies, a tragic event unfolds when Mohring (Nick Hargrove), a seasoned pilot, meets his untimely demise in a Corsair crash while attempting to land. Hudner's incredulous questioning regarding Mohring's decision not to follow instructions is met with Brown's philosophical retort that sometimes one must defy orders to achieve success - a valuable lesson learned by Brown himself, having overcome the racist obstacles that threatened to derail his career.

Following this sobering episode, the unit receives shore leave in the picturesque French town of Cannes, where Brown crosses paths with none other than Elizabeth Taylor (Serinda Swan) on the beach. Her gracious invitation to the squadron's casino debut leaves a lasting impression, as they mingle and socialize alongside the marines from Jesse's carrier.

However, tensions arise when Hudner engages in a heated altercation with a marine who had earlier harassed Brown, prompting Brown to advise his friend not to fight his battles but instead be present for him. This act of solidarity is reciprocated by Leyte's African American crewmen, who present Brown with an exquisite timepiece as a symbol of their admiration.

The following day, the squadron receives word that war has erupted between North and South Korea, prompting Leyte to redeploy in support of the South. As November 1950 dawns, VF-32 arrives on the Korean peninsula, where they learn that Chinese forces have entered the conflict on behalf of North Korea, driving American troops back. The squadron is tasked with destroying two vital bridges spanning the Yalu River, a mission critical to disrupting the enemy's supply lines.

As Cevoli exhorts his pilots to prioritize their safety above all else and bring everyone back home, Brown and Hudner face off against a formidable MiG-15 fighter jet while the others focus on the bridge assault. Despite Hudner's order to retreat in the face of intense anti-air fire from the Chinese side of the river, Brown defies his friend's instructions and takes it upon himself to cripple the remaining bridge, ultimately succeeding in his mission.

As Hudner's post-mission report extols the virtues of his fallen comrade Brown, it also reveals a deeper truth: Brown's actions were motivated by defiance against orders, a rebellious spirit that would ultimately be used as a pretext to deny him the recognition he deserved. Brown shares this insight with Hudner, foreseeing that his bravery would be exploited to stifle his own prospects for advancement.

On another fateful day, Brown finds himself on a perilous mission to resupply beleaguered Marines at the frozen Chosin Reservoir, including the same Marine who had earlier clashed with him. As he navigates his Corsair through treacherous skies, Brown's plane is brutally struck by Chinese gunfire, sending it spiraling out of control towards the unforgiving mountains of North Korea.

Hudner, aware that Brown is alive but trapped in his mangled cockpit, makes the ultimate sacrifice: deliberately crashing his own plane into the clearing to aid his stricken friend. Though he valiantly extinguishes an engine fire and attempts to extract Brown from the wreckage, it soon becomes clear that his efforts are futile. As a Marine Sikorsky helicopter arrives on the scene, Brown's life slips away, leaving Hudner consumed by grief.

Back at Leyte, Hudner's commander is faced with an unpalatable decision: abandoning Brown's remains in enemy-controlled territory, rather than risking further lives to recover them. As a result, VF-32 sets out on a somber "funeral flight" to destroy the downed Corsairs, with Brown's lifeless body still trapped inside.

Months later, Hudner is awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman (Bill Martin Williams) for his selfless attempts to save Brown. Though the ceremony brings him solace, it also serves as a poignant reminder of his failure to rescue his friend. In a private moment with Daisy, Brown's bereaved wife, Hudner expresses his regret at not being able to save Jesse, only to learn that she had never expected him to do so. Instead, she had asked him to be present for her husband, which he ultimately was.

The film concludes with a bittersweet epilogue: despite the passage of time, Brown's remains have remained lost in North Korea, while Hudner and Brown's families continue to forge a bond that transcends the tragedy they shared.