The Beginning or the End

Set during World War II, the story spans the period from U.S. entry into the war in 1941 through the intensification of the Manhattan Project in 1942 and its culmination in 1945. The film traces government funding and presidential decisions, the development of the first reactor on a university campus, and the shift from scientific discovery to military deployment. It ends with the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and the immediate personal impact on families.

The film traverses key sites of the Manhattan Project: the University of Chicago where the first chain reaction occurred, the remote laboratories of Los Alamos, and the transport route to Tinian for the final weapon. It also depicts the mission that culminates in the bombing of Hiroshima and the personal toll on families back home in California. These locations anchor the story in a wartime landscape of secrecy, innovation, and consequence.

⚖️ Ethics

Atomic energy is celebrated for its scientific achievement, yet the film repeatedly raises questions about its moral implications. Oppenheimer voices the warning that incredible power must be tempered by responsibility. The narrative treats innovation as a dual-edged force that can save lives or destroy them.

💥 Power & Destruction

The discovery accelerates into a weapon of unprecedented destructive potential. The project’s leaders grapple with how to wield this power, knowing it could end wars or reignite them. The bomb’s deployment on Hiroshima marks a turning point in history and in personal lives.

🤝 Leadership

The story centers on the challenge of coordinating scientists, military leaders, and government officials. Groves and Nixon drive a sprawling, multi-institution effort, balancing secrecy with urgency. The film highlights how decisive leadership can accelerate progress while amplifying risks.

🔬 Science & Progress

The narrative tracks the collaborative rush of theory, experimentation, and engineering. It underscores how ideas from Fermi, Marré, Chisholm, and others converge to achieve a landmark scientific breakthrough. The work reflects both the exhilaration of discovery and the heavy burden of its potential consequences.