Gold

In 1981, Kenny Wells finds himself in a precarious situation after the death of his father. Struggling to maintain his father's legacy, he operates his failing prospecting company, Washoe, out of his girlfriend Kay's bar, leading to a sense of desperation.

Kenny makes the bold decision to travel to Indonesia in pursuit of fortune. He partners with geologist Michael Acosta, hoping to turn their luck around and strike gold together, despite facing initial financial difficulties.

After returning to the United States, Kenny manages to secure funding for their gold mining venture. However, the initial results are disappointing, with the mine failing to produce any gold, creating tension and uncertainty.

During a particularly tough phase, Michael Acosta inspires the workers to stay motivated by providing them with fresh water. This act revitalizes the mine operations, paving the way for a turnaround in their fortunes.

Stricken with malaria, Kenny wakes up to some exhilarating news—their efforts have finally paid off as they make a significant gold discovery. This breakthrough transforms their prospects and ignites hope for the future.

Their discovery attracts the attention of Wall Street, leading to substantial investments that turn Washoe into a public company. The skyrocketing stock value symbolizes their hard-fought success and newfound legitimacy.

With his newfound wealth, Kenny indulges in a lifestyle of celebrations and excess, adversely affecting his relationship with Kay. Tensions elevate when she witnesses him flirting with Rachael Hill, showcasing Kenny's reckless behavior.

During this tumultuous period, Mark Hancock, an executive from a major mining company, offers to buy into their mine, but Kenny finds his offer insulting and quickly rejects it. This decision sets off a chain of unforeseen consequences.

The Indonesian government intervenes and unexpectedly shuts down their operations, leaving Kenny feeling despondent and questioning his decisions. He feels the weight of the situation as everything he worked for hangs in the balance.

In a last-ditch effort, Kenny and Michael devise a plan to secure a business relationship with the president's son. This strategy ultimately leads to the reopening of the mine, providing a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing struggles.

Amidst celebrating their strategic success, Kenny is awarded a prestigious golden pickax, symbolizing his hard-earned achievements in the mining industry. However, this celebratory moment is fleeting as personal tensions rise.

Everything begins to unravel when an angry mob confronts Kenny outside his office, leading to devastating realizations. He learns the shocking truth about the extent of Michael's deception, shattering the illusion of success.

Kenny faces an investigation by the FBI, recounting the perilous journey he undertook. He learns that Michael's fraudulent activities, including a notorious scheme known as 'salting', have devastated them both.

In the aftermath of the turmoil, Kenny sifts through old mail and finds a crucial napkin signed by both him and Michael, marking their 50-50 agreement. He is also shocked to discover a deposit slip revealing an amount of $82 million.

Filled with disappointment and loss yet glimpsing a shard of hope, Kenny reflects on his tumultuous journey from the heights of success to the depths of betrayal and uncertainty. His relationship with Kay remains strained, indicative of the toll taken by his adventures.