After high-schooler Leo Biederman (Elijah Wood) discovers a comet heading for Earth, the President (Morgan Freeman) orders scientists to begin secret preparations to save humanity by building shelters for 800,000 randomly chosen civilians and 200,000 selected specialists. A year later, reporter Jenny Lerner (Tea Leoni) uncovers the secret and forces the President to reveal the comet and his plans. Jenny and Leo both become famous for their connection to the comet. A space shuttle team is sent to try and destroy the comet. On Earth, the names of those chosen for survival are revealed. Leo and his new love, Sarah Hotchner (Leelee Sobieski) take steps to ensure their survival. Jenny uses the remaining time to reunite with her estranged father (Maximilian Schell).