Bigger

In the year 2008, Joe Weider attends the funeral of his brother Ben, marking a somber moment filled with reflection. The atmosphere is heavy as only a single interviewer is present, highlighting the loneliness of loss amidst familial connections.

As Joe recalls his youth, a flashback reveals his mother Anna giving birth and expressing disappointment that Joe is not a girl. This early moment foreshadows Joe's struggles with his identity and his mother's expectations.

In 1932, young Joe and his brother Ben sneak into a circus in Montreal to view a strongman lifting weights. Their excitement leads to a confrontation with their mother, who is furious upon their return, showcasing a pattern of rebellion and exploration in their youth.

As Joe struggles financially, he stumbles upon a bodybuilding magazine by Bill Hauk, which sparks his interest in fitness. Motivated to enhance his life, Joe begins training with makeshift weights, marking the start of his passion for bodybuilding.

Despite Joe's success in weightlifting competitions, his mother Anna remains skeptical of his future. Meanwhile, their father Louis takes pride in Joe's accomplishments, emphasizing the divide within the family regarding Joe's ambitions.

By 1941, Joe and Ben live together, supported by their father while feeling rejected by their mother. At this time, Joe's academic pursuits at a university library lead him to meet Kathy, sparking a romantic relationship.

Joe faces discrimination at work when his boss questions his Jewish heritage, initially dismissing him. A humorous yet vindictive encounter with a pie serves as a reminder of the biases he must contend with in pursuit of his dreams.

Joe's relentless research leads him to create a transformative training center, advocating for health and fitness. This initiative arrives at a poignant time during World War II, highlighting the importance of physical wellness amidst global turmoil.

With the advent of World War II, Joe wants to enlist alongside Ben, but Ben believes his contributions are better served through his work. This pivotal moment illustrates the differing definitions of service and honor between the brothers.

After forming a partnership with Roy Hawkins, Joe sets his sights on California, where the budding celebrity culture intertwines with fitness trends. His business aspirations drive him to leave behind his past and embrace new opportunities.

In 1951, as Joe prepares to enter his models in the Mr. Universe contest, he faces regulatory obstacles that challenge his ambitions. In response, he considers creating his own competition, showcasing his innovative spirit.

At Jack LaLanne's gym, Joe meets Betty Brosmer, who later becomes a significant figure in his life. Their relationship flourishes as she features prominently on the cover of Joe's magazine, further intertwining their personal and professional lives.

In an attempt to promote inclusivity, Joe features an African-American model on the cover of his magazine, triggering strong reactions from peers like Bill Hauk. This moment brings to the forefront racial debates and challenges existing norms within the community.

As Joe navigates the complexities of his business and marriage with Kathy, they encounter personal and professional setbacks. The strain mounts, leading to their eventual separation and leaving Joe to reconsider his life's direction.

Resilient in the face of adversity, Joe launches the Mr. Olympia contest, driven by personal motivations and a competitive spirit. This pivotal initiative not only revitalizes his career but also transforms the bodybuilding landscape.

Joe's journey leads him to meet the promising bodybuilding talent, Arnold Schwarzenegger. As Arnold gains recognition, Joe coaches him, paving the way for a partnership that elevates both their careers and the fitness culture as a whole.

The film culminates in a poignant funeral for Ben, honoring his remarkable life through historical visuals. The narrative concludes by celebrating the intertwined journeys of fitness and dreams defined by Joe Weider and his family.