Stone parallels the story of the lawman and lawbreaker battling with dark desires of self enlightenment.
Jack Mabry (Robert De Niro) is a miserable parole officer on the verge of retirement. His final parole review is for Gerald “Stone” Creeson (Edward Norton) convicted for accessory to the murder of his grandparents. After serving eight of his 10-to-15 year conviction, Stone is up for early parole and attempts to convince Mabry that he is reformed.
Stone realizes that he has made mistakes; he believes no one is perfect and that everyone has made mistakes including Mabry, and calls him out for judging him. Stone uses every means necessary to convince the stern Mabry that he has reformed, including his sexy wife Lucetta Creeson (Milla Jovovich).
Stone downplays Lucetta seductive ways and credits religion for his rehabilitation. Mabry finds himself to be very conflicted, he wants to continue his professional demeanor, but his loveless marriage and his battles with his own personal demons are part of his personality weaknesses that force him into an affair with Lucetta. Although, Mabry initially refuses to involve himself, he is easily seduced and is put in a compromising position where he has no choice but to release Stone.
Mabry uncovers that he has been used and unhappy with his decision he attempts to rectify it, but finds his life crumbling in front of him and goes to extreme measures to get revenge.
