A Mighty Heart is a dramatic portrayal of the events leading up to the kidnapping and brutal murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Danny Pearl in Pakistan in 2002, as experienced and recounted by his wife, Mariane Pearl. The film is based on Mariane's memoir of the same name, and details the harrowing search for Danny's whereabouts, as well as the tense political climate surrounding the investigation and eventual tragedy.
The story begins as Danny and Mariane arrive in Pakistan to report on the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. One day, Danny sets out to interview a group of Islamic fundamentalists in Karachi, but never returns. Mariane, pregnant with their first child, is initially told that he is simply running late, but becomes increasingly worried as the days pass without any word.
As the search for Danny intensifies, Mariane works closely with law enforcement officials and other journalists to gather information and piece together clues. She navigates the complex web of political tensions and historical conflicts that fuel the animosity between Pakistanis and Americans, while also coping with her own personal grief and uncertainty about her husband's fate.
Ultimately, the film culminates in Danny's brutal murder at the hands of his extremist captors. The aftermath of his death and the impact on Mariane and their unborn child are also explored, highlighting the incredible courage and resilience exhibited by those who faced this unimaginable tragedy.