In a bustling advertising agency in New York, the lives of the employees take an unexpected turn when the CEO dies of a heart attack during a meeting. After a frantic selection process, the position falls into the hands of Putney Swope, an African American creative who, curiously enough, had until then been part of the most overlooked team in the office. However, instead of continuing the tradition of making conventional ads, Putney decides to revolutionize the advertising industry with his bold and provocative style.
With a radically different approach, Swope creates campaigns that challenge norms and question social and racial expectations. His success attracts both admirers and enemies, and he quickly becomes a polarizing figure in the advertising world. As his power grows, the film explores themes of identity, racism, and consumerism, all wrapped in a mix of satire and edgy humor.
However, Swope's sudden rise also awakens the greed and antagonism of those around him, caught in a game of loyalties and betrayals. With a cast full of eccentric characters and sharp dialogue, the story becomes a striking social commentary on the state of relationships in a transforming society. What begins as a comedy transforms into a profound reflection on power, freedom, and what it means to be authentic in an unequal world.