Jeffrey Wigand, a former research scientist for a major tobacco company, faces a moral dilemma when he is fired. His extensive knowledge about his former employer's deceptive practices regarding the addictiveness of cigarettes puts him in a precarious position. Feeling a responsibility to the public, he struggles with the decision of whether to blow the whistle. This struggle is not only internal, as he also faces threats to his personal safety and pressure from his family, who are unprepared for the public scrutiny and personal repercussions that come with exposing the truth.

Lowell Bergman, a producer for the CBS show "60 Minutes," learns about Wigand and sees the potential for a groundbreaking story. He reaches out to Wigand, hoping to convince him to go public with his knowledge. As Bergman delves deeper into the story, he uncovers a complex web of legal and corporate obstacles that make airing Wigand's testimony challenging. The ethical questions around journalistic integrity and corporate influence on media become central as Bergman fights to bring the truth to the public, navigating through legal threats and the potential repercussions for Wigand, himself, and the network.