Plot Synopsis

From Darren Aronofsky's PROTOZOA and directed by Gabrielle Schonder and Zach Heinzerling, BLACK GOLD is a three-part documentary that chronicles the story of the cover-up of the century - of the boss atop a trillion-dollar industry who discovered a shocking truth 40 years ago, created a black ops conspiracy to hide the evidence, and would stop at nothing to keep the money flowing as the world burned. A CEO nicknamed Iron-Ass, whistleblowers from Exxon's own labs, professional climate deniers and spin doctors, a NASA scientist and a U.S. vice president are among the characters in this thriller based on a decades-long plot to trade our planet for profit. BLACK GOLD debuted in theaters nationwide on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 ahead of its streaming release on Paramount+, which released all three episodes on Tuesday, May 17, 2022:

"Apocalypse Later": Exxon's elite team of scientists discover the greenhouse effect, but when they report their findings, the company's bosses are less than thrilled. Exxon slashes research funding, but NASA scientist James Hansen's testimony to Congress reveals the truth, and Exxon realizes they are facing a life-or-death crisis.

"Black Ops": The Exxon Valdez oil tanker crashes into an iceberg, spilling millions of gallons of oil and creating a second PR problem for Exxon. In response, Exxon leads a secret alliance of American business leaders who set out to discredit the science, confuse the global warming conversation and remake American politics. Al Gore and James Hansen are in the path of Exxon's war machine.

"The Reckoning": Investigative journalists discover proof of "black ops" while the U.S. government tries to hold Exxon accountable. But they seem to be above the law. Activists and politicians try a bold David-vs-Goliath move, but in the end only an unexpected underdog will stand a chance of stopping the giant.