When a massive, unmanned locomotive known as ``the Beast'' roars out of control, the threat is more ominous than just a derailment. with the train laden with toxic chemicals, an accident would decimate human life and cause an unprecedented ecological disaster. The only hope of bringing ``the Beast'' to a safe stop is in the hands of a veteran engineer (Denzel Washington) and a young conductor (Chris Pine), who must risk their own lives to save those in the runaway's path.