The film is set in Washington, D.C. in the year 2054, where the “precrime” police unit, led by Chief John Anderton (played by Tom Cruise), uses three precognitive humans, known as “precogs,” to foresee and prevent future crimes. The precogs, Agatha (played by Samantha Morton), Arthur (played by Michael Dickman), and Dashiell (played by Neal McDonough), are kept in a state of suspended animation and connected to a machine that records their visions of murders.
One day, the precogs predict that John Anderton himself will commit a murder in the near future. As Anderton investigates the case to prove his innocence, he discovers a conspiracy within the precrime system and begins to question the reliability and morality of using precognition to enforce justice.
Anderton goes on the run, pursued by his former colleagues, including Detective Danny Witwer (played by Colin Farrell), who is assigned to investigate the validity of the precrime program. Along the way, Anderton encounters Agatha, one of the precogs, who helps him uncover the truth about the murder he is accused of committing and the larger conspiracy behind it.
Anderton learns that the precogs’ visions are not infallible and that the precrime system has been manipulated to serve the interests of those in power. He discovers that the true mastermind behind the conspiracy is Lamar Burgess (played by Max von Sydow), the director of precrime, who has been orchestrating the murders to cover up his own crimes and protect the precrime program from being shut down.
In a climactic showdown, Anderton confronts Burgess and exposes his corruption to the public. With the help of Agatha and the precogs, Anderton proves his innocence and brings an end to the precrime program, ensuring that no one else will be falsely accused or deprived of their free will in the name of preventing crime.
The film ends with Anderton and Agatha escaping to a remote island where they can live free from surveillance and manipulation, while the precogs are released from their captivity and allowed to live normal lives. The closing narration suggests that while the future remains uncertain, humanity has taken a step toward reclaiming its autonomy and moral agency.
“Minority Report” is praised for its thought-provoking themes, stylish visuals, and gripping storytelling. It explores complex ethical and philosophical questions about the nature of justice and the limits of technology in predicting and controlling human behavior, leaving audiences with much to ponder long after the credits roll.