Set in 19th-century France, the film chronicles the life and career of a struggling writer who initially gains fame and fortune by authoring hard-hitting exposés of social injustices. Bold and fearless, he makes a name for himself with his first commercially successful book, spotlighting the grim conditions of Parisian slums. However, as his fame grows, his writing becomes more conventional, reflecting his comfortable bourgeois lifestyle. Despite his success, he drifts away from his roots in advocacy and becomes surrounded by sycophants, distancing himself from real societal issues.

His complacent life is disrupted when a scandal rocks the French military, involving the wrongful conviction of a Jewish officer accused of treason. The newsroom debates, public outrage, and vehement discussions compel him to revisit his principles. An impassioned plea from the officer’s wife reinvigorates his sense of justice and responsibility. He meticulously examines evidence, facing mounting pressure from powerful political and military figures eager to silence dissent. Torn between maintaining his safety and legacy or fighting for truth, he is thrust back into the public eye. His journey highlights the tension between individual conviction and societal pressure, exploring themes of integrity, courage, and the pursuit of justice. The story serves as a riveting portrayal of a man who finds the courage to rediscover his voice in the face of overwhelming adversity.