The Post

In late 1965, Daniel Ellsberg arrives in Hau Giang Province, Vietnam, as part of his duties at the Embassy. He is tasked with monitoring the ongoing Vietnam War, a critical role that places him in the heart of the conflict.

During a night mission in the dark forest, Ellsberg and his team come under fire from unseen enemy snipers. This harrowing experience highlights the dangers faced by soldiers and the complexities of the war.

On his return flight, Ellsberg has a crucial conversation with Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. He shares his insights about the disheartening realities of the war, emphasizing that despite his observations, nothing has changed.

Upon arriving back in Washington, McNamara faces the press and falsely asserts that conditions in Vietnam are improving. This misrepresentation marks a significant moment in the ongoing deception surrounding the war.

Determined to reveal the truth, Ellsberg clandestinely exits the Pentagon with classified Vietnam War documents. His act of defiance sets in motion a series of events that will challenge the government's narrative.

As Ellsberg reviews the stolen documents, he uncovers alarming information indicating that four U.S. presidents concealed significant facts about the Vietnam War from both the public and the press. This revelation deepens his commitment to exposing the truth.

Fast forward to 1971, where Kay Graham is planning to take The Washington Post public. During a meeting, she expresses concern about the newspaper's potential coverage of President Nixon's daughter's wedding.

During a tense board meeting, Arthur Parsons questions Graham's leadership abilities, raising doubts partly because she is a woman and the widow of the previous publisher. This moment underscores the gender biases present in the business world at the time.

McNamara makes a surprising visit to Graham, warning her about the unfavorable coverage that may appear in the next day's paper. His warning reveals the delicate balance between political power and media freedom.

The New York Times breaks a monumental story regarding the Pentagon Papers, unveiling the government's cover-up of the Vietnam War. This publication sends shockwaves through the media and the political landscape.

Post journalist Ben Bagdikian meets Ellsberg in a motel, where he receives over 1,000 pages of printed documents. This encounter is crucial as it further equips The Post with the information needed to challenge the government.

Excited about the information gathered, Bagdikian informs editor Ben Bradlee, leading to a strategy meeting involving other journalists. They prepare to tackle the monumental story with the potential for significant legal implications.

Amid the looming legal threat, Graham confides in her daughter Lally about her fears of managing The Post while honoring her late husband's legacy. This personal struggle adds depth to her character and determination.

Despite the risks, Graham decides to move forward with publishing the explosive story on the front page. This bold decision not only impacts The Post but also inspires other newspapers to follow suit.

The story culminates in a pivotal moment at the Supreme Court where a ruling is made in favor of The Post. The ruling emphasizes the principles of freedom of the press, reflecting the ongoing battle between government secrecy and public interest.