The two friends, Virgil Cole (played by Ed Harris) and Everett Hitch (played by Viggo Mortensen), are hired by the town of Appaloosa to restore law and order to the town, which has been terrorized by ruthless rancher Randall Bragg (played by Jeremy Irons). The friends are known as skillful gunmen and are initially successful in driving out Bragg and his gang from the town.
However, their job becomes complicated when a young widow named Allison French (played by Renée Zellweger) arrives in town. Both Virgil and Everett are drawn to her, which threatens to disrupt their partnership and their mission to protect the town. The situation is further complicated when Bragg is acquitted of a murder charge and returns to seek revenge on Virgil and Everett.
As tensions escalate, Virgil and Everett are forced to confront their feelings for Allison and the dangerous situation they find themselves in. The movie is a western drama that explores themes of loyalty, justice, and love.