Flint, Michigan, once a thriving city thanks to General Motors, faces drastic decline after the company shuts down several plants, leading to massive job losses. Michael Moore, a native of Flint, embarks on a quest to confront Roger B. Smith, the CEO of General Motors, and highlight the devastating impact of these closures on his hometown. Throughout his journey, Moore captures the stark contrast between the crumbling local community and the corporate world that continues to thrive despite the layoffs. He interviews various Flint residents, including laid-off workers and local business owners, to showcase their struggles and resilience in the face of economic hardship.

As Moore's pursuit of Smith intensifies, he encounters an array of reactions from the people connected to GM and those affected by its decisions. Local officials, including law enforcement officers and social workers, share their insights into the rising crime rates and homelessness resulting from the plant closures. Simultaneously, Moore tours abandoned factories and decaying neighborhoods, painting a vivid picture of the social and economic decay stemming from corporate decisions. The narrative builds towards Moore's relentless effort to bring attention to this crisis, highlighting the broader implications of corporate responsibility and community survival. Each interview and interaction serves to underline the profound disconnect between corporate leadership and the people whose lives hang in the balance due to their decisions.