Operation Avalanche

The film opens with John F. Kennedy's iconic statement, "We choose to go to the Moon." This pivotal moment sets the backdrop for the intense Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, highlighting the urgency and significance of the Apollo 11 mission.

In 1967, a group of CIA operatives including Matt Johnson and Owen Williams pitches a plan to pose as a documentary crew. Their hidden agenda is to uncover a Soviet mole within NASA, showcasing their determination and ambition to protect national interests.

While eavesdropping on James Webb, the NASA administrator, the team stumbles upon alarming information about the lunar lander's capabilities. This revelation indicates that the spacecraft meant for the Moon landing is actually unfit for the mission, adding urgency to their investigation.

Despite being instructed to exit NASA after reporting their findings, the CIA operatives make a bold choice to remain. Their determination to expose the truth leads them deeper into a web of secrecy and deception surrounding the Apollo 11 mission.

The team initiates 'Operation Avalanche', tasked with fabricating aspects of the Moon landing. Brackett supports their efforts, assigning agent Josh Boles to keep a close eye on their operation, indicating the high stakes involved in their clandestine mission.

During footage analysis from a NASA pool party, Jared spots suspicious individuals filming the crew. This leads the operatives to investigate the production of Stanley Kubrick's *2001: A Space Odyssey* in England, where they seek inspiration for their own project.

While in England, the CIA operatives discover front screen projection techniques used in Kubrick's film. This newfound knowledge significantly enhances their ability to create credible and convincing Moon landing footage as part of their deception.

Matt uncovers a disturbing aspect of the CIA's strategy: they plan to eliminate the real Apollo 11 lander if their fake mission fails. This grim revelation heightens the tension within the group as they scramble to ensure the success of Operation Avalanche.

In a desperate move, Matt begins to bury the completed footage in a field. This contingency plan reveals his growing unease with the mission and the potential consequences of their fabricated Moon landing as the threat from the CIA looms larger.

As they continue their operation, Owen notices two men watching them closely. Confronting them leads to a tense chase, raising suspicions that they may be connected to the mole and the CIA's ulterior motives.

The unexpected death of the alleged mole sends shockwaves through the group. Owen fears that the CIA may eliminate them to cover up loose ends, captivating the operatives in a rush against time to protect their lives and their secret.

After wrapping up Operation Avalanche, the team successfully launches their fabricated Moon landing. As they finalize their deception, Matt destroys evidence while celebrating a thrilling yet morally questionable victory.

Amidst the chaos following their success, the group's motel room is ransacked, and they are pursued by armed attackers. This intense moment forces them to execute a daring escape, demonstrating the extreme risks they face.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Matt discovers Owen hanged in his garage, devastated by the loss. He entrusts the remaining film canisters to Andrew, emphasizing the treacherous path they have walked and the consequences of their actions.

As America celebrates the Apollo 11 landing, Matt watches the historic event unfold on television. Filled with mixed emotions of pride and despair, he reflects on the lingering consequences of their monumental deception.