Its central argument is that nuclear power, which still faces historical opposition from environmentalists, is a relatively safe and clean energy source that can help mitigate the serious problem of anthropogenic global warming.

[2][3][4][5] The title is derived from the ancient Greek myth of Pandora, who released numerous evils into the world, yet as the movie's tagline recalls: "At the bottom of the box she found hope."

The film features several notable individuals who were once vehemently opposed to nuclear power but who now speak in favor of it,[2][6] including Stewart Brand, Gwyneth Cravens, Mark Lynas, Richard Rhodes and Michael Shellenberger.

Scenes are shown of a No Nukes concert (1979), Margaret Thatcher addressing the United Nations General Assembly (1989),[note 2] and from the drafting of the Kyoto Protocol (1997).

The film poster depicts a piece of metallic enriched uranium[15] ("actual size" as printed) with the caption "What if this cube could power your entire life?"