In a 1950s and 60s United States, we follow the life of an ambitious and charismatic labor leader whose life is intertwined with corruption and organized crime. With the voice of a nation, this man fights for workers' rights, but his power and charisma quickly put him in the crosshairs of mobsters and politicians. Throughout his career, he befriends and allies himself with figures from the underworld, who help him solidify his influence in the unions.
However, his rise to stardom is marked by his relentless desire for power and control, leading him to clash with other union leaders and betray those who have aided him along the way. As the environment becomes more dangerous, the tension in his personal life also intensifies. His family resents his constant absences and his unwavering dedication to the union.
With flashbacks revealing details of his story, the film explores the complexity of his character; a man who, despite his flaws, genuinely seeks change for workers. The plot culminates in a bleak portrait of his downfall, leaving the audience questioning the cost of power and loyalty in a world where ambition can lead to tragic consequences. In this way, it paints a captivating portrait of an icon who, in pursuing his dreams, finds himself ensnared in a web of betrayal and darkness.