The Manchurian Candidate

Major Bennett Marco leads a U.S. Army unit during the Gulf War in 1991, facing the chaos of battle. Among his troops is Sergeant First Class Raymond Shaw, who displays outstanding bravery amid the treacherous ambush that defines their mission in Kuwait.

During a harrowing three-day ambush, Shaw single-handedly engages the enemy, ultimately managing to lead his fellow soldiers to safety. His valor during this critical moment earns him the Medal of Honor, a testament to his extraordinary bravery under fire.

Years after the war, Shaw becomes a U.S. congressman and is thrust into the spotlight by his controlling mother, Senator Eleanor Prentiss Shaw. She maneuveringly promotes him for vice-presidency, overshadowing Senator Tom Jordan, who is favored for the position.

Despite achieving political success, Shaw grapples with resentments stemming from his mother's control over his life decisions. He reflects on his broken relationship with Jocelyn, Senator Jordan's daughter, a consequence of his enlistment in the military.

Al Melvin, a former soldier under Marco, confides in him about disturbing dreams tied to their ambushed patrol. His troubling memories, paired with chilling drawings of the events, push Marco to delve deeper into the psychological trauma they both endure.

As Marco begins to experience his own disturbing dreams of capture and brainwashing, he becomes obsessed with uncovering what happened during their mission. The quest for answers forces him to confront the dark memories buried within.

While staying in New York City with Rosie, a supermarket clerk who recognizes him, Marco discovers a small metallic object embedded in his skin during a shower. His panic increases when, in a moment of shock, he accidentally drops it down the sink.

Driven by his suspicions, Marco confronts Shaw at his campaign headquarters, resulting in an intense exchange filled with accusations. Despite being arrested after a physical altercation, he is quickly released when Shaw decides not to press charges.

After the confrontation, Marco retrieves the implant he secretly held in his mouth. Consulting with his friend Delp, he learns that the device, intended to store medical information, may be linked to a covert project funded by a powerful firm, Manchurian Global.

Following a series of electro-convulsive therapy sessions advised by Delp, Marco's memories begin to resurface. He remembers that both he and Shaw were manipulated into committing atrocities against fellow soldiers during the ambush.

Marco discovers disturbing evidence in Rosie's handbag, suggesting he is under surveillance. Recordings of his conversations raise alarm bells about his safety and the extent of the machinations surrounding him and Shaw.

Delving into the mysteries of Manchurian Global, Marco uncovers connections to Dr. Atticus Noyle, a notorious geneticist linked to inhumane experiments. Marco presents his findings to Senator Jordan, who urges Shaw to withdraw from the vice-presidential race.

Recognizing a new threat, Eleanor activates Shaw using trigger commands, prompting him to eliminate Senator Jordan. In a fateful turn of events, Jocelyn becomes a casualty while trying to protect her father amidst the escalating chaos.

In a shocking twist, Rosie reveals her identity as an undercover FBI agent, confirming that they found an implant in Melvin before his untimely death. The agency sets up a crucial meeting between Marco and Shaw to confront the hidden brainwashing plot.

In a tense encounter, Shaw positions himself between Marco and the President-elect to thwart an assassination triggered by Eleanor. Their fates collide when Marco inadvertently takes a fatal shot, leading to devastating losses for both men.

In the wake of the tragic events, Marco faces his own mortality, contemplating suicide. Saved by Rosie, he ultimately journeys to a secluded island where he casts away the memories of his past, yearning for peace and a new beginning.