Trailer: 

In A Working Man, a deeply moving and gritty drama, director James Whitmore Jr. delves into the heart of blue-collar America, presenting a raw and emotionally charged exploration of resilience, dignity, and the fight for survival. The film follows the journey of Henry Briggs (portrayed by a commanding Chris Cooper), a seasoned factory worker in a small Midwestern town grappling with the devastating effects of industrial decline. After decades of loyalty to his job at the local manufacturing plant, Henry’s world is upended when the factory shutters its doors, leaving him and hundreds of his coworkers adrift.

What sets A Working Man apart is its intimate focus on Henry’s struggle to maintain a sense of purpose in the face of economic despair. Refusing to give up, he rallies his former colleagues and convinces them to occupy the abandoned factory, turning it into a symbol of resistance and hope. Together, they face mounting pressures from corporate executives, local authorities, and even their own families, who struggle to understand the cost of their determination.

The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of the working class, but it balances its gritty narrative with moments of quiet humanity and unexpected humor. As Henry becomes the reluctant leader of a grassroots movement, his relationship with his estranged son, Daniel (played by Miles Teller), takes center stage. Daniel, who once left their struggling town in search of better opportunities, finds himself drawn back, torn between his father’s idealism and his own pragmatic outlook on life.

Beautifully shot and emotionally resonant, A Working Man captures the stark contrast between the desolation of an empty factory and the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be forgotten. It’s a story about the value of work, the bonds of community, and the lengths people will go to protect what they believe in. With powerful performances, a stirring score, and a poignant script, the film leaves audiences inspired by its timeless message: when everything is taken away, the human spirit finds a way to endure.