Based on the real Kenneth O'Donnell, but his role is vastly inflated in the film. Historical accounts and participants confirm O'Donnell was not a central advisor or key player during the missile crisis as depicted by Kevin Costner.

Based on the real JFK. Bruce Greenwood's portrayal captures Kennedy's measured demeanor, stress, and decision-making process during the crisis, broadly aligning with historical records like the ExComm tapes.

Based on the real RFK. Steven Culp portrays his crucial role as a close advisor to the President and key negotiator in backchannel talks with the Soviet ambassador, which is historically accurate.

Based on the real Robert McNamara. Dylan Baker portrays his role within ExComm, initially leaning towards military options but ultimately supporting the blockade and diplomacy, consistent with historical accounts.

Based on the real McGeorge Bundy, accurately shown as a key member of the ExComm advisory group during the crisis.

Based on the real Dean Rusk, shown participating in ExComm debates, generally reflecting his historical role.

U-2 spy planes discovering Soviet nuclear missile sites under construction in Cuba was the event that triggered the crisis, accurately depicted as the film's starting point.

President Kennedy did convene a secret group of advisors (Executive Committee of the National Security Council - ExComm) to manage the crisis, as shown. The film draws dialogue from actual tapes of these meetings.

The intense internal debates within ExComm over the appropriate response – primarily between establishing a naval quarantine (blockade) or launching military action – are historically accurate.

The film portrays Kenny O'Donnell as a primary advisor, negotiator, and conduit between JFK, RFK, and the military. Historical sources and participants state O'Donnell played a very minor role in the crisis.

President Kennedy's dramatic televised speech to the nation on October 22, 1962, revealing the missiles and announcing the naval quarantine, is accurately depicted.

The U.S. Navy establishing the quarantine line around Cuba to intercept Soviet ships is accurately portrayed as the chosen initial response.

The US conducted dangerous low-altitude photo reconnaissance flights (RF-8 Crusaders, F-101 Voodoos) to get clearer images of the missile sites, accurately shown being fired upon.

The shooting down of Major Rudolf Anderson's U-2 on October 27, 1962, significantly escalated tensions and increased pressure for military action, as accurately depicted.

Secret negotiations between Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin were crucial to finding a peaceful resolution, as depicted.

A secret agreement to remove US Jupiter missiles from Turkey was part of the resolution. The film depicts this being shared broadly within ExComm; historically, knowledge of this quid pro quo was kept extremely limited (primarily the Kennedy brothers, Rusk, possibly McNamara).

The film depicts the Joint Chiefs of Staff (especially LeMay and Taylor) as almost uniformly aggressive, advocating strongly for immediate military action and potentially trying to manoeuvre the President. Historians argue this is a simplification/caricature, although military pressure was real.

Scenes showing O'Donnell directly communicating with or giving instructions/advice to reconnaissance pilots (like telling Ecker to lie about being shot at) are fictional inventions to enhance his character's role.

The Soviet Premier agreeing to dismantle and remove the offensive missiles from Cuba in exchange for a US non-invasion pledge (and the secret Turkey missile deal) was the core of the crisis resolution.

The successful diplomatic resolution prevented a potential nuclear exchange between the US and USSR, accurately portrayed as the outcome of the thirteen days.

The film meticulously recreated key White House rooms based on photographs and records from 1962, providing an authentic backdrop for the ExComm meetings and presidential decisions.

Captures the tension and gravity of the crisis period in the US capital, showing government buildings, military presence, and a sense of impending conflict.

Represents various military environments accurately, including command centers, Strategic Air Command readiness, naval operations for the quarantine, and reconnaissance aircraft/airfields.

The setting for Adlai Stevenson's famous confrontation with the Soviet ambassador is accurately depicted.

Clothing styles (suits, military uniforms, civilian dress), cars, office equipment, military hardware (planes, ships), and other props accurately reflect the early 1960s timeframe.

The film intersperses color scenes with black-and-white segments, sometimes meant to evoke news footage. Critics noted this stylistic choice was used somewhat inconsistently and didn't always enhance realism.

Effectively conveys the extreme tension, uncertainty, and palpable fear of imminent nuclear war that characterized the Cuban Missile Crisis.