The story follows Mark Whitacre, a rising executive at ADM who becomes involved in a price-fixing conspiracy within the company. Mark decides to blow the whistle on the illegal activities and becomes an informant for the FBI. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Mark’s motivations may not be as noble as they initially seem.
As Mark works with the FBI to gather evidence against ADM, he begins to exhibit erratic behavior and makes increasingly bizarre and outlandish claims. Despite his cooperation with the authorities, Mark’s credibility comes into question, and the FBI agents assigned to the case start to suspect that he may not be telling the whole truth.
Throughout the film, Mark’s inner monologue provides insight into his thought process and reveals the extent of his delusions and grandiose fantasies. Despite his efforts to appear confident and in control, it becomes apparent that Mark is struggling with mental health issues and may not be a reliable witness.
As the investigation intensifies, Mark’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and his lies and deceptions unravel. It is revealed that he has been embezzling money from ADM and fabricating evidence to frame his colleagues. The FBI agents are shocked and dismayed by Mark’s betrayal, and he is ultimately arrested and charged with multiple crimes.
In the aftermath of his arrest, Mark’s life unravels further as his family and colleagues distance themselves from him. He is sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his crimes, and the true extent of his deception becomes clear to all involved.
The film ends with Mark reflecting on his actions from prison, still convinced that he did the right thing by blowing the whistle on ADM. However, it is clear that his actions have had far-reaching consequences for himself and those around him, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved in the case.