"[5] The film begins in 1962 with the recovery of the remains of Enrico Mattei, pilot Irnerio Bertuzzi, and American journalist William McHale, who crashed in Mattei's private plane in Bascapè, near Pavia, under unclear circumstances after a trip to Sicily.

A flashback to 1945 reveals Mattei's appointment as commissioner of AGIP, tasked with selling it, but he defies orders and strengthens the company, making it a major European player.

In 1970, filmmaker Francesco Rosi investigates Mattei's life, exploring political protection and a meeting with a U.S. oil magnate.

He aims to offer better terms to Arab and African oil-producing nations, straining relations with the "seven sisters."

Rosi interviews experts suggesting Mafia sabotage or foreign intelligence involvement in Mattei's plane crash.