In this gripping narrative, Roger Ailes (John Lithgow), the formidable chairman of Fox News, maintains a stronghold over the network from his office on the second floor. The story intertwines the lives of three influential women who navigate the complexities of working in such a high-pressure environment.
Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), a prominent figure at Fox, faces a crucial juncture in her career as she gears up to moderate a significant Republican presidential debate. Despite resistance from her colleagues, Megyn refuses to shy away from confronting Donald Trump over his inflammatory remarks about women. On the debate day, she battles illness, enduring a harrowing episode of vomiting before stepping onto the stage. But her resolve remains unshaken as she challenges Trump, only for him to retaliate with a spate of aggressive tweets that unleash a torrent of backlash directed at her. Overwhelmed by the wave of hate that follows, Megyn reflects on how she has inadvertently become the focal point of the news cycle rather than simply reporting it.
As she recuperates during her time off, Megyn grapples with the relentless scrutiny from a hostile media, with paparazzi stalking her for invasive photos of her young daughter. The situation escalates, prompting her husband, Douglas Brunt (Mark Duplass), to take urgent steps to protect their family's privacy. Upon her return to the newsroom, Fox News assigns a security team for her protection, yet the network remains conspicuously silent in condemning Trump's vitriolic attacks.
Meanwhile, Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), once a co-host on the popular morning show "Fox and Friends," finds herself sidelined in a less prestigious afternoon slot. The emotional toll of incessant sexist comments, often delivered unrepentantly live on air, pushes Gretchen to seek help from lawyers. They reveal the harsh truth hidden in her contract, which hampers her ability to fight back. Hearing the story of Rudi Bakhitar (Nazanin Boniadi), a former employee who faced severe repercussions after rejecting her boss's advances, Gretchen resolves to take action. With a burgeoning sense of support behind her, she prepares to confront her situation, convinced that other women will step forward alongside her.
Rounding out the trio is Kayla Popisil (Margot Robbie), who is caught in the thrall of Fox News’s ideals amid her conservative upbringing. Rising from Gretchen’s mentorship to a coveted position on Bill O'Reilly's flagship program, Kayla finds herself in a moment of reckoning when Roger makes a disparaging comment that leaves her rattled. In a moment of betrayal, she chooses ambition over camaraderie, accepting a promotion on O'Reilly's show despite Gretchen's heartfelt pleas for her to stay.
Navigating the cutthroat environment, Kayla's initiation comes crashing down when Bill O'Reilly criticizes her on her first day. Fortunately, she finds an ally in Jess Carr (Kate McKinnon), who guides her through the intricacies of storytelling that captivate audiences. As their friendship develops, Kayla becomes involved in a complicated relationship with Jess, who shares her struggles of wanting to thrive in a toxic work environment.
With a growing narrative of harassment swirling around them, the workplace tensions mount, culminating in Gretchen's bold lawsuit against Roger Ailes. Following her lawsuit, she anticipates other women will join her cause, but faces disillusionment when they remain silent. Nevertheless, she gathers courage to press on, while Megyn contemplates stepping forward, knowing the personal risks involved in challenging the status quo.
The culmination of the women's struggle leads to a dramatic confrontation, bringing to light the pervasive culture of harassment at Fox News. As Megyn channels her tenacity into gathering testimonies from other victims, she uncovers a network of abuse that demands attention. The eventual revelation of Gretchen’s taped meetings with Roger becomes key evidence in exposing the chairman's predatory behavior, igniting a firestorm of change within the organization.
As Roger's grip begins to falter and he is removed from Fox News, Megyn’s resilience shines through at the Republican National Convention, leaving the toxic remnants of her past behind. With Gretchen securing a substantial settlement, her moment of victory is tinged with the bittersweet reality of a non-disclosure agreement that threatens to silence her forever. In a poignant moment, she articulates the struggle between recognition and silence, declaring "maybe," and leaving the weight of that decision echoing within the walls of Fox News.
