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Percy (2020) movie poster

Timeline

Percy (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 100 mins · English
Echo score 67
Directed by
Clark Johnson
Starring
Christina Ricci, Adam Beach, Christopher Walken, Martin Donovan, Derek James Trapp, Ron Verwymeren

A third-generation farmer, Percy Schmeiser finds himself in a legal battle with a powerful corporation after being accused of using their patented seeds. Facing limited resources, he teams up with a young lawyer, Jackson Weaver, and an environmental activist, Rebecca Salcau. Together, they embark on a significant case that challenges corporate control over agricultural practices and ultimately reaches the Supreme Court, raising questions about farmers' rights and intellectual property.

Drama Cast, crew & box office
On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (14)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Percy (2020)

Where can you watch Percy? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies and Plex: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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14 events in order · contains spoilers

Percy Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Percy (2020) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Monsanto sues Percy's farm

    In 1997, Monsanto files a legal action accusing Percy Schmeiser of planting and profiting from Roundup Ready crops. The case centers on alleged intellectual property theft and seed ownership. This marks the start of a high-stakes legal battle that will threaten Percy's farm.

    When
    1997
    Where
    Saskatchewan, Canada

  2. Discovery of Monsanto seeds on Percy's land

    Percy discovers that his fields contain Monsanto's Roundup Ready seeds, which he claims he unknowingly planted due to contamination from neighboring farms. He maintains he did not intentionally use Monsanto seed and that the problem originated outside his operation. The accusation puts his livelihood at serious risk.

    When
    1997-1998
    Where
    Percy's farm, Saskatchewan

  3. Legal counsel recruited

    He seeks legal help from local lawyer Jackson Weaver, who takes the case. As the proceedings begin, it becomes clear that the laws may be stacked in Monsanto's favor. Percy enters a long, uncertain fight to keep his farm.

    When
    Late 1990s
    Where
    Saskatchewan, Canada

  4. Community ostracism and mounting debts

    Percy's life deteriorates as he becomes a pariah in the community. Debts mount while friends and neighbors question his innocence. The pressure of the case compounds the strain on his family.

    When
    1997-1999
    Where
    Saskatchewan community

  5. PEP offers help; media angle required

    Rebecca Salcau of the People's Environmental Protect offers to help. Her plan requires Percy to publicly speak against Monsanto to generate media attention and funding. Percy is initially reluctant to become a public figure, fearing the personal and legal costs.

    When
    Early 1998
    Where
    Canada (Saskatchewan)

  6. Public speaking against Monsanto begins

    Percy begins public speaking engagements against Monsanto and becomes a focal point for supporters and critics alike. He reacts with anger as Monsanto's lawyers and critics attack his reputation. The public campaigns draw media attention and wider donations.

    When
    1998-1999
    Where
    Canada (various locations)

  7. Global donations and support

    Support pours in from around the world as his story resonates with farmers and anti-GMO advocates. Donations and letters of solidarity flood in, giving Percy renewed hope. He sees the case as part of a larger global struggle over seed ownership and corporate power.

    When
    1998-1999
    Where
    Global

  8. Trip to India and farmers' suicides

    During a speaking tour in India, Percy witnesses the devastating impact of agribusiness on farmers, including debt and suicides. He realizes the broader consequences of Monsanto's practices beyond Canada. The experience strengthens his resolve to challenge the corporation.

    When
    1999
    Where
    India

  9. Return home; wife hospitalized

    Upon returning home, Percy's wife is hospitalized with a broken arm, signaling that their struggle is far from over. The couple faces renewed personal and financial strain as the case lumbers on. The atmosphere at home is tense as they await the next legal move.

    When
    1999-2000
    Where
    Canada

  10. Withdrawal of resignation; commitment to fight

    Jackson Weaver tells Percy that an appeal to the Supreme Court might be possible, and he offers to resign in solidarity if the case continues. Percy tears up the resignation letter, determined to fight on. They renew their efforts to pursue the highest court.

    When
    1999-2000
    Where
    Saskatchewan, Canada

  11. Decision to appeal to the Supreme Court

    Percy decides to appeal to the Supreme Court, bolstered by his wife's support. The decision marks a turning point in the battle, shifting attention to a national legal showdown. The pathway to a potential victory becomes clearer, even against long odds.

    When
    2000-2001
    Where
    Canada

  12. Supreme Court ruling and aftermath

    The Supreme Court rules that Percy can keep his farm but must give up all Roundup Ready seeds to Monsanto. He returns Monsanto's property and the farm is saved, though the victory is tempered by the loss of his seeds. The town's opinion shifts as Percy's perseverance is recognized.

    When
    2000-2001
    Where
    Canada

  13. Rebecca highlights the broader impact

    Rebecca later reveals that Percy's fight inspired other Canadian farmers not to grow Monsanto GMO wheat, with the US following suit. The case is framed as a turning point in farmers' resistance to corporate control of seeds.

    When
    Post-ruling 2001
    Where
    Canada/United States

  14. Percy resumes farming for the next season

    With the legal threat resolved, Percy resumes farming for the next season. His granddaughter expresses excitement about one day taking over the family farm. The memory of the battle lingers as he looks to the future.

    When
    2001-2002
    Where
    Saskatchewan, Canada

Last updated: February 25, 2026 at 08:24

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Timeline questions answered

Percy Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Percy (2020): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why was Percy Schmeiser sued by Monsanto?

Monsanto sued Percy Schmeiser after discovering Roundup Ready canola crops growing on his farm. The company accused him of intellectual property theft, claiming he had planted and profited from their patented genetically modified seeds without paying for them. Monsanto sought to seize all his seeds and the profits from that year's harvest.

Foreshadowing: The lawsuit filing in 1997 marks the beginning of a legal battle that will consume nearly four years of Percy's life.

  • monsanto lawsuit
  • percy schmeiser
  • intellectual property
  • genetically modified seeds
  • roundup ready canola
Q2

How did Monsanto seeds end up on Percy's farm?

Percy Schmeiser maintained that the Monsanto seeds appeared on his land through contamination from neighboring farms rather than deliberate planting. As a longtime seed saver, he had not purchased or planted any Monsanto seeds. The seeds likely blew or were carried onto his property from nearby fields growing Roundup Ready crops.

Foreshadowing: This contamination claim becomes the central defense in the legal case.

  • seed contamination
  • neighboring farms
  • canola
  • genetic modification
  • farmers rights
Q3

Why did Percy agree to go public with his case?

Percy initially resisted going public, but Rebecca Salcau from the People's Environmental Protect offered legal help on one condition: Percy would need to speak publicly against Monsanto to generate media attention and attract financial support for his defense. As the case progressed and his reputation suffered, Percy eventually agreed to become a public figure fighting not just for his farm, but for farmers everywhere.

Foreshadowing: Rebecca's offer comes at a moment when Percy is running out of options and resources.

  • rebecca salcau
  • public campaign
  • media attention
  • pep
  • environmental activism
Q4

What was the Supreme Court's final ruling?

The Supreme Court ruled that Percy Schmeiser could keep his farm, but he was required to surrender all Roundup Ready seeds to Monsanto. The decision was bittersweet, while his livelihood was preserved, he lost the contaminated seeds and the victory came with a clear limitation on ownership of the patented genetic technology.

Foreshadowing: The case had been building toward this landmark ruling that would set a precedent for farmers' rights.

  • supreme court ruling
  • farm ownership
  • seeds
  • patent law
  • corporate control
Q5

Why did Jackson Weaver want to resign from the case?

Jackson Weaver, Percy's lawyer, offered to resign because the case appeared unwinnable against Monsanto's vast resources and legal power. The legal odds were heavily stacked against them, and Jackson felt guilty about dragging Percy through what seemed like a futile battle. However, Percy refused to accept the resignation and tore up the letter, determined to fight on.

Foreshadowing: This moment tests Percy's resolve at a low point in the legal battle.

  • jackson weaver
  • lawyer
  • resignation
  • legal battle
  • perseverance
Q6

What was the broader impact of Percy's legal fight?

Percy's fight inspired Canadian farmers to refuse growing Monsanto's GMO wheat, creating a ripple effect that extended to the United States. His case became a turning point in farmers' resistance to corporate control over seed technology, demonstrating that collective action could challenge even the most powerful agribusiness companies.

Foreshadowing: Rebecca highlights this broader impact after the Supreme Court ruling.

  • farmers rights
  • gmo wheat
  • corporate control
  • environmental impact
  • canada usa
Q7

What happened to Percy's wife after his trip to India?

When Percy returned from his trip to India, his wife was hospitalized with a broken arm. The incident symbolized that the family's struggle was far from over, adding to the emotional and financial strain they already faced while waiting for the Supreme Court decision.

Foreshadowing: The hospitalization occurs as the case approaches its final stages.

  • wife
  • hospital
  • injury
  • family stress
  • india trip
Q8

Why did Percy decide to appeal to the Supreme Court?

Percy decided to appeal to the Supreme Court after his wife encouraged him to continue fighting. Despite losing in lower courts and facing mounting pressures, the opportunity to have the highest court in Canada rule on the case represented a chance to set a precedent that could protect farmers' rights across the country.

Foreshadowing: The appeal marks a turning point that shifts the battle to a national legal showdown.

  • supreme court appeal
  • canada
  • legal precedent
  • landmark case
  • farmers rights

Movie threads

More Movies Like Percy, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Percy tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

David vs. Goliath legal dramas like Percy

Ordinary individuals take on powerful institutions in tense, high-stakes courtroom battles. Find more movies like Percy where a lone underdog battles a powerful corporation in a tense legal drama. These films focus on high-stakes courtroom conflicts, social injustice, and the heavy emotional weight of standing up to systemic power.

  • tense
  • uphill battle
  • defiant
  • anxious
  • weighty
  • courtroom
  • Tone: tense, defiant, anxious
  • Pacing: steady, methodical
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically follows a linear, steady progression as the legal case unfolds, from the initial accusation or conflict through various court hearings, often culminating in a climactic final judgment. The focus is less on legal procedural twists and more on the personal and emotional toll the battle takes on the protagonist and their community.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared central conflict: an immense power imbalance between an individual and an institution. They create a similar vibe of tense, anxious perseverance, where hope is hard-won and the emotional journey is as important as the legal outcome.

A Civil Action movie poster

A Civil Action

1998
The Rainmaker movie poster

The Rainmaker

1997
Percy movie poster

Percy

2020
Dark Waters movie poster

Dark Waters

2019
The Verdict movie poster

The Verdict

2013
The Verdict movie poster

The Verdict

1982
Unbowed movie poster

Unbowed

2011
Illegal movie poster

Illegal

1955

Bittersweet stands against injustice like in Percy

Stories where taking a moral stand brings meaningful change at a heavy personal cost. If you liked the bittersweet ending of Percy, explore more movies where characters achieve a moral victory that changes things for others, but at a great personal cost. These emotionally heavy dramas focus on sacrifice and the complex cost of principle.

  • bittersweet
  • hopeful
  • weighty
  • sacrifice
  • moral victory
  • social change
  • Tone: bittersweet, hopeful, weighty
  • Pacing: steady, draining
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a protagonist who commits to a difficult, often isolating cause. The journey is draining, marked by personal sacrifice, financial peril, and social ostracism. The climax results in a pivotal win for the broader community or principle, but the protagonist's personal resolution is ambiguous or bittersweet, acknowledging the high price paid for the greater good.

Why they belong together: These movies are connected by their emotionally resonant, bittersweet conclusions. They avoid simple triumph or despair, instead focusing on the realistic complexity of social change—where victories are meaningful but rarely complete, leaving the audience with a mix of hope and melancholy.

Unbowed movie poster

Unbowed

2011
Satyagraha movie poster

Satyagraha

2013
The Verdict movie poster

The Verdict

2013
The Burdened movie poster

The Burdened

2023
Just Mercy movie poster

Just Mercy

2019
Undefeatable movie poster

Undefeatable

1993
The Verdict movie poster

The Verdict

1982
After the End movie poster

After the End

2024

Every angle

Percy (2020) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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