The Current War

Thomas Edison presents his design for a lightbulb and seeks a patent, highlighting its purpose and features. As he does this, a large field of glowing bulbs is revealed, symbolizing his invention's potential. Numerous men gather in the woods to see this spectacle, emphasizing the groundbreaking nature of his work.

On a train heading to meet J.P. Morgan and the President with his family, Edison discusses his plans and technical innovations like the phonograph. He also considers expanding his electric company, showing his ambitions to electrify Manhattan and beyond.

J.P. Morgan commits $500,000 to Edison, enabling him to establish a Manhattan office and expand his electrical infrastructure. Edison begins working intensely with his team to bring electricity to Manhattan, marking a major step in his project.

Edison successfully supplies electricity to a few buildings in Manhattan during an inaugural demonstration. The event draws attention, with Nikolai Tesla observing the scene, hinting at upcoming technological rivalries.

Westinghouse criticizes Edison’s direct current system for its limited reach and high cost, proposing an alternative alternating current (AC) system using transformers. He plans to demonstrate that AC can supply power over much greater distances more efficiently.

Tesla is hired by Edison and tasked with developing innovations, including an improved motor, with strict deadlines. Despite his talents, Tesla works under tight constraints and begins to challenge Edison’s direct current approach.

Edison’s wife Mary becomes seriously ill, and her condition worsens. Edison focuses on his work, recording her voice on the phonograph as she speaks, trying to preserve her memory before she passes away.

Mary Edison dies, leaving Edison devastated. He finds comfort in listening to her voice recording, which reminds him of their life together, as he faces the grief of losing his wife.

Edison attempts to demonstrate the dangers of AC current by electrocuting a horse in a public show, promoting the idea that AC is lethal. Subsequently, Edison develops the electric chair, viewing it as a humane execution method, tying it to his anti-AC campaign.

Edison and Westinghouse become embroiled in a public battle over electrical systems, with smear campaigns and accusations. Edison claims Westinghouse’s AC is dangerous, while Westinghouse defends his system as more practical and economical.

The organizers choose Westinghouse’s AC system to light the Chicago World’s Fair after considering safety and cost. Edison accepts the defeat, acknowledging Westinghouse’s superior technology for this event, though he deeply regrets the loss.

The electric chair, which Edison helped develop as a supposedly humane execution device, is tested on a man who confesses to murder. The method fails to be humane, reflecting negatively on Edison’s stance against AC’s safety.

J.P. Morgan proposes merging Edison’s company with others, creating General Electric. Edison, feeling betrayed, reacts fiercely to the change in company ownership and the loss of his control, marking a significant turning point in his career.

Westinghouse lights the fair using his AC system, showing its safety and efficiency. Edison, meanwhile, witnesses the event and finds a sense of victorious achievement in his earlier inventions, despite losing the bid.

After the fair, Edison acknowledges Westinghouse’s success and hints that his new inventions, like the kinetograph, will surpass his past works. He foresees a future where his innovations will be remembered, apart from his electrical battles.