From Freud's most promising protégé to a scientific outcast, Dr. Wilhelm Reich wages a desperate battle to prove the existence of a revolutionary human energy, ultimately sacrificing everything for a truth no one else could see.

SYNOPSIS:

The story opens in 1957 at Danbury Federal Prison, where Dr. Wilhelm Reich recounts his life and work to psychiatrist Dr. Richard Hubbard during a psychological evaluation. Reich traces his path from a young medical student in post-WWI Vienna who becomes fascinated with Freud's psychoanalysis, particularly the concept of libido as biological energy. His early success treating patients and his acceptance into Freud's inner circle is overshadowed by growing tensions over Reich's radical theories and his integration of Marxist politics with psychoanalytic practice.

The narrative follows Reich's expulsion from the psychoanalytic movement and his subsequent exile from Europe as the Nazis rise to power. Settling in America, Reich continues his controversial research, claiming to have discovered "orgone energy", a universal life force he believes can be measured and harnessed. His work leads him to build "orgone accumulators" and devices he calls "cloudbusters," which he claims can influence weather patterns. Despite initial interest from figures like Einstein, Reich faces increasing skepticism from the scientific establishment and ultimately draws the attention of the FBI and FDA, who view his devices as fraudulent medical equipment.

The story culminates with Reich's legal troubles as federal authorities shut down his research, destroy his equipment, and charge him with contempt of court for violating an injunction against selling his devices. Throughout the screenplay, Reich maintains his belief that he has made groundbreaking discoveries about the fundamental energy of life itself, while others view him as either a delusional charlatan or a dangerous radical.

The film portrays Reich as a tragic figure: a brilliant mind whose unconventional theories and uncompromising personality ultimately lead to his persecution and death in prison, leaving behind questions about the nature of scientific and spiritual truths and the treatment of revolutionary thinkers.

REICH