Foxcatcher

Olympic wrestling champion Mark Schultz is invited to speak at an elementary school on behalf of his older brother, Dave Schultz. Although both are celebrated athletes, Mark often feels overshadowed by Dave's accomplishments, setting the stage for his internal struggles.

Mark Schultz meets John E. Du Pont, a wealthy philanthropist and wrestling enthusiast, who expresses interest in supporting Mark's wrestling career. Impressed by Du Pont's vision for a private wrestling training facility, Mark sees an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Mark moves to the Du Pont estate in Pennsylvania to join the newly formed 'Team Foxcatcher.' Despite wanting to bring Dave along for support, Mark ultimately must navigate this new landscape alone, which begins to affect their brotherly bond.

Settling into the guest house known as 'the chalet,' Mark trains under Du Pont's financial support and guidance. With the camaraderie of his new teammates, Mark attains success, culminating in a gold medal victory at the 1987 World Wrestling Championships.

As Du Pont introduces Mark to cocaine, the dynamic between them begins to shift. The once supportive mentor relationship turns toxic, leading Mark to struggle with the pressures of his success and the expectations placed upon him.

Tensions escalate when Mark and his teammates take a break from training to watch mixed martial arts on television. Enraged by their lack of focus, Du Pont confronts the team, insisting on bringing Dave back to the facility for support.

After Du Pont offers a lucrative deal, Dave Schultz reluctantly decides to join Mark at the Du Pont estate. His arrival initially brings relief to Mark, but it also complicates their relationship given the growing pressures from Du Pont.

As the brothers prepare for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Du Pont's erratic behavior grows increasingly unpredictable. His misguided attempts to impress his mother during her visit further alienate Mark, increasing the strain on their training.

After a disappointing performance at the Olympic Trials in Pensacola, Florida, Mark's emotional turmoil leads him to act out destructively. Feeling defeated and abandoned, he smashes up his room, demonstrating the mental toll of the pressure he faces.

In a supportive gesture, Dave steps in to help Mark regain his confidence ahead of the Olympics. The bond between the brothers deepens, showcasing their shared history as they prepare for the biggest stage in their wrestling careers.

Mark ultimately decides to leave Team Foxcatcher, rejecting Du Pont's toxic influence and the pressures that come with it. This departure signifies a critical turning point as he seeks to reclaim his identity outside of Du Pont's shadow.

An unprovoked confrontation between Du Pont and Dave at Dave's home results in a tragic shooting. As Nancy rushes outside only to find her husband dying in her arms, the horror of the event shakes those close to them, leaving a void in their family.

Following the tragic events, Du Pont faces arrest and undergoes a long legal battle. Ultimately, he is convicted for Dave's murder but is deemed mentally ill, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Mark transitions from competitive wrestling to becoming a coach and motivational speaker in Oregon. This evolution highlights his resilience as he seeks to inspire others with the lessons learned from his tumultuous experiences.

The once-celebrated Foxcatcher Farm is sold and repurposed, symbolizing the end of an era. The transformation reflects the lasting impact of the events that unfolded and the legacy of both the Schultz brothers and Du Pont.