Tesla

In 1893, Nikola Tesla and a female companion glide gracefully on roller skates while a narrator introduces the fascinating backstory of Tesla's life. The audience is drawn into Tesla's early inspirations, including a childhood moment with his cat and static electricity.

The narration flashes back to Tesla's early life, revealing he was born in 1856 in a small Croatian village. Raised by a Serbian priest father and an exceptionally intelligent mother, Tesla's early years were rich in inspiration and education.

In 1884, Tesla arrives in New York City and begins working under the famous inventor Thomas Edison. Despite Tesla's brilliance, Edison dismisses many of his revolutionary ideas about alternating current, leading to Tesla's growing frustration.

Following a series of dismissals of his ideas, Tesla experiences the harsh realities of working with Edison. He playful moments and humor are overshadowed by Edison's refusal to adequately compensate him, culminating in Tesla's eventual departure.

Tesla attempts to set up his own venture, the Tesla Lighting Company, but faces immediate setbacks when investors swindle him. This leads to disappointing failures, forcing him to take manual labor jobs, including digging ditches for Western Union.

In 1885, Tesla pitches his magnetic induction motor to potential financial backers Alfred Brown and Siegfried Peck. This new partnership opens the door for more lucrative opportunities than his previous $15-a-month compensation under Edison.

During his innovative journey, Tesla meets the sophisticated Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan. Their interactions begin to unfold against the backdrop of financial investments in Edison's projects, creating a complex relationship between ambition and affection.

Inventor George Westinghouse acquires Tesla's patents and offers him a royalty deal for every horsepower sold. This collaboration sets the stage for a fierce rivalry with Edison, who steadfastly champions direct current over Tesla's alternating current.

Edison escalates the rivalry by orchestrating a shocking public demonstration featuring the electrocuted William Kemmler. This grim event illustrates Edison's desperation to validate his approach while further vilifying alternating current.

Tesla's groundbreaking work culminates at the World's Fair in Chicago, where he showcases the safety and effectiveness of alternating current. Despite the public's fascination and acclaim, his personal relationship with Anne Morgan remains fraught with complexity.

Amid rising tensions, Westinghouse insists on a merger, prompting Tesla to renegotiate his contract. Disillusioned by what he perceives as misuse of his innovative ideas within the capitalist landscape, he symbolically tears up the contract.

Tesla's path leads him to meet the glamorous actress Sarah Bernhardt, who contributes to Edison's recordings. This relationship introduces new tension into Tesla’s life as he struggles to balance his professional ambitions with personal connections.

Tesla supervises the ambitious hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, representing a significant achievement in his career. Meanwhile, J.P. Morgan probes Tesla about any potential romantic feelings for Anne Morgan, highlighting Tesla’s increasing solitude.

By 1901, Tesla finds himself consumed with thoughts of deciphering signals he believes to be extraterrestrial. Even as Edison faces challenges in his mining ventures, Tesla remains dedicated to his vision of democratizing energy.

The film concludes with a poignant montage of Tesla's lifelong struggles and triumphs. As Anne reflects on her decision to pursue a life helping children in France, she acknowledges Tesla’s profound impact and solitary passing at the age of 87.