The film begins with Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington), an ex-cop, checking into a Manhattan hotel. Unexpectedly, he climbs onto the ledge outside his room and threatens to jump. The situation attracts a large crowd, including the police, led by negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks). Nick insists he’s innocent but doesn’t provide details.
While the crisis unfolds, it is revealed through flashbacks that Nick is a former cop who was wrongfully convicted of stealing a valuable diamond from wealthy businessman David Englander (Ed Harris). Nick’s plan is to distract the police and media with the ledge incident while his brother Joey (Jamie Bell) and Joey’s girlfriend Angie (Genesis Rodriguez) attempt to steal the diamond from Englander’s vault.
As Lydia tries to talk Nick down, she becomes suspicious of his claims of innocence. Meanwhile, Joey and Angie execute a daring heist, navigating through Englander’s high-security building.
As the tension on the ledge escalates, Lydia begins to believe in Nick’s innocence, and together, they uncover the truth about the diamond theft and the corruption within the police force. The film takes unexpected turns as alliances shift, and Nick’s true motives become clear.
In a climactic sequence, the truth about the heist and Nick’s innocence is revealed, leading to a confrontation between Nick and Englander. The film ends with the resolution of the crisis on the ledge, Nick’s name being cleared, and Lydia gaining newfound purpose in her career.
“Man on a Ledge” combines elements of suspense, heist, and conspiracy, providing twists and turns throughout the narrative. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it is praised for its engaging plot and the performances of the cast, particularly Sam Worthington and Elizabeth Banks.