Promised Land

Steve Butler and his partner Sue Thomason arrive in a small Pennsylvania farming community, on a mission for Global Cross Power Solutions. Their goal is to secure contracts from local landowners for natural gas extraction, a process that they believe will benefit the community financially.

Upon their arrival, Butler insists on wearing his grandfather's old boots as they visit a local shop run by Rob to buy clothes. This moment highlights Butler's humble beginnings, as he attempts to blend into the rural environment while preparing to negotiate with the farmers.

Butler and Thomason start meeting local farmers, who are deeply concerned about losing their ancestral lands due to the fracking proposal. These farmers struggle to maintain their heritage and express their apprehensions about the potential impact on their farming community.

Butler reflects on his past experiences growing up in a similar town devastated by industry closures, like the Caterpillar assembly plant. His insights lead him to realize that family farming alone may not sustain the town's future, underlining the challenges faced by these communities.

During their first encounter with a farmer, Butler makes bold promises about wealth and prosperity in exchange for signature approval. This encounter sets the tone for the tension that will escalate as the farmers begin to realize the implications of such agreements.

A meeting with Supervisor Gerry Richards reveals the brewing tensions in the town. Butler attempts to ease the concerns of Richards, proposing a $30,000 offer, which is met with skepticism and demands for more, highlighting the growing resistance.

That evening, Butler visits a local bar where he meets Alice, a teacher who challenges him in a drinking game. After a night of revelry, Butler wakes up in her home, setting the stage for a complicated personal relationship amid turmoil.

At a town meeting, Supervisor Richards tries to convince locals to support Global's proposal, but concerns about fracking safety arise. Frank Yates, a local science teacher, raises compelling points about the potential risks, swaying the crowd's opinion.

Dustin Noble appears during the discussions, identifying himself as an environmental activist. His presence poses a significant threat to Butler's project, as he begins rallying community support against Global's practices.

Noble visits Yates and presents shocking images of dead cattle to illustrate the devastating effects of drilling. This moment amplifies the growing distrust in Global and introduces the ethical dilemmas surrounding the fracking operations.

Noble’s impassioned speech at an open mic night resonates with the locals, leading to a surge of opposition towards Global's proposal. Their collective fear of losing family farms enhances the community's resolve, presenting a formidable challenge to Butler.

Butler and Thomason confront Noble with a hefty donation in an attempt to influence him. Noble rejects their plea and further galvanizes the community against Global, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of their corporate strategies.

As the conflict escalates, Noble educates school children about the dangers of fracking. His emotional appeal stirs the community's collective fears, leaving a lasting impression and deepening Butler's internal conflict.

During a final town meeting, Butler exposes Noble's manipulation while grappling with the moral implications of his role at Global. He faces a potential fallout, realizing the impact of corporate greed on community integrity.

In the aftermath, Butler seeks solace with Alice, reflecting on his tumultuous journey. As he comes to terms with the consequences of his choices, he must balance the desire for profit against the urgent needs and values of the community he came to serve.