What Is Percy About?
The premise of Percy in 267 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the vast, wind‑swept fields of Saskatchewan, farming is more than a livelihood—it is the rhythm of community and the pulse of generations. The landscape is shaped by endless rows of canola and the quiet perseverance of families who have tended the soil long before the rise of corporate patents. Within this grounded world, the everyday simplicity of sowing and harvest is suddenly shadowed by a legal maelstrom that threatens to upend the very notion of stewardship over the land.
Percy Schmeiser is a third‑generation farmer whose identity is tied to the age‑old practice of saving his own seeds. When a powerful agribusiness accuses him of infringing on its patented crop technology, his modest farm becomes the frontline of a dispute that pits a solitary steward against an institution with vast resources. Struggling to protect his livelihood and his principles, Percy finds his resolve tested by the impersonal machinery of the law and the weight of a community watching his battle unfold.
Enter Jackson Weaver, a sharp‑tongued young lawyer eager to take on a cause that could reshape the balance of power, and Rebecca Salcau, an activist whose passion for environmental justice fuels a broader fight against corporate domination of agriculture. Their uneasy alliance brings together legal strategy, grassroots advocacy, and a shared conviction that this case is about more than a single farm—it is a test of farmers’ rights across the nation. As their efforts ascend toward the highest court in the country, the story gathers a tense, hopeful tone, inviting viewers to consider what it means to defend heritage in the face of relentless innovation.
What Happens in Percy?
The complete story of Percy, from the first scene to the last, in 752 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Based on Schmeiser v. Monsanto, Percy Schmeiser, Christopher Walken is a Saskatchewan canola farmer who becomes the target of a high-stakes corporate lawsuit. The filing claims that his fields contained Monsanto’s Roundup-resistant crops and accuses him of intellectual property theft. Percy, a longtime seed saver who did not plant Monsanto seeds, believes the seeds in his soil arrived through contamination from neighboring farms rather than deliberate theft. Monsanto seeks to seize all of his seeds and the profits he earned from the following year’s harvest, framing the case as a battle over ownership of genetic technology and the rights of a small farmer against a powerful corporation. The legal action casts a long shadow over his operations, touching every corner of his life and forcing him to confront a system that seems determined to side with the company.
To navigate the mounting pressures, Percy turns to a local lawyer, Jackson Weaver, Zach Braff for help. The legal process drags on, and it quickly becomes clear that the odds are stacked in Monsanto’s favor. The strain of the case bleeds into every part of his life: the farm’s routines are disrupted, the community begins to treat him as an adversary, and mounting debts threaten the family’s stability. The weight of the lawsuit tightens around him, making even simple decisions feel like strategic moves in a larger conflict.
Rebecca Salcau, a representative of the People’s Environmental Protect (PEP), enters the scene with a different kind of leverage. Rebecca Salcau, Christina Ricci offers to help, but her aid comes with a demand: Percy would need to speak publicly against Monsanto to galvanize media attention and attract financial support for the fight. At first, Percy hesitates, wary of turning his private struggle into a public spectacle. Yet the reality of the case, the pressure from Monsanto’s tactics, and the mounting damage to his reputation begin to push him toward a more visible defense of his farm—and of farmers everywhere who feel the same squeeze.
As Percy becomes more exposed to public life, the campaign takes on a life of its own. He starts giving speeches, participating in interviews, and using every platform to challenge Monsanto’s control over seed technology. The support he receives grows beyond his local community; people around the world start to send donations and letters of encouragement, drawing a broader map of concern that transcends borders. In this period, Percy also learns that the issues he faces are not isolated, but part of a global pattern affecting farmers everywhere who struggle under the power of agribusiness.
A pivotal moment comes during a trip to India, where Percy witnesses firsthand the devastating consequences of debt and corporate influence on farmers. The experiences deepen his resolve and broaden the scope of the campaign, highlighting a human toll—the suicides and ruined livelihoods—that accompanies aggressive agricultural biotech. When he returns, his wife’s health takes a turn for the worse, hospitalized with a broken arm, and the family faces renewed uncertainty about the outcome of the fight. The emotional and financial strain intensifies, underscoring that victory would come at a significant personal cost.
With the case moving into new territory, Jackson doubts whether success is possible but believes an appeal to the Supreme Court remains a possibility. Rebecca’s supporters begin to withdraw as resources dwindle, testing Percy’s commitment to continue the legal battle. Encouraged by his wife, he resolves to push forward. Jackson drafts a letter of resignation to step away from the case, but Percy refuses to accept it and rips it up, signaling that he will fight to the end. The two push through the legal process with renewed purpose, working toward a definitive ruling that could set a precedent for farmers’ rights in Canada and beyond.
In the end, the Supreme Court rules that Percy can keep his farm, but he must surrender all Roundup Ready seeds to Monsanto. The decision preserves the core of his livelihood, while enforcing a clear limitation on ownership of the seeds involved. With the farm saved, the community’s view of Percy shifts from suspicion to respect, and the broader implication of his struggle becomes apparent: the campaign has helped persuade Canadian farmers not to grow Monsanto’s GMO wheat, with a ripple effect that extends to the United States and beyond, challenging Monsanto’s grip on wheat production. Percy returns to the land, resuming work for the next season, and his family looks ahead with cautious optimism about the future of their farm and the legacy of the fight they waged.
Percy Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Monsanto sues Percy's farm” to “Percy resumes farming for the next season”. 14 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Monsanto sues Percy's farm
In 1997, Monsanto files a legal action accusing Percy Schmeiser of planting and profiting from Roundup Ready crops. The case centers on alleged intellectual property theft and seed ownership. This marks the start of a high-stakes legal battle that will threaten Percy's farm.
When:1997 Where:Saskatchewan, Canada
- 2
Discovery of Monsanto seeds on Percy's land
Percy discovers that his fields contain Monsanto's Roundup Ready seeds, which he claims he unknowingly planted due to contamination from neighboring farms. He maintains he did not intentionally use Monsanto seed and that the problem originated outside his operation. The accusation puts his livelihood at serious risk.
When:1997-1998 Where:Percy's farm, Saskatchewan
- 3
Legal counsel recruited
He seeks legal help from local lawyer Jackson Weaver, who takes the case. As the proceedings begin, it becomes clear that the laws may be stacked in Monsanto's favor. Percy enters a long, uncertain fight to keep his farm.
When:Late 1990s Where:Saskatchewan, Canada
- 4
Community ostracism and mounting debts
Percy's life deteriorates as he becomes a pariah in the community. Debts mount while friends and neighbors question his innocence. The pressure of the case compounds the strain on his family.
When:1997-1999 Where:Saskatchewan community
- 5
PEP offers help; media angle required
Rebecca Salcau of the People's Environmental Protect offers to help. Her plan requires Percy to publicly speak against Monsanto to generate media attention and funding. Percy is initially reluctant to become a public figure, fearing the personal and legal costs.
When:Early 1998 Where:Canada (Saskatchewan)
- 6
Public speaking against Monsanto begins
Percy begins public speaking engagements against Monsanto and becomes a focal point for supporters and critics alike. He reacts with anger as Monsanto's lawyers and critics attack his reputation. The public campaigns draw media attention and wider donations.
When:1998-1999 Where:Canada (various locations)
- 7
Global donations and support
Support pours in from around the world as his story resonates with farmers and anti-GMO advocates. Donations and letters of solidarity flood in, giving Percy renewed hope. He sees the case as part of a larger global struggle over seed ownership and corporate power.
When:1998-1999 Where:Global
- 8
Trip to India and farmers' suicides
During a speaking tour in India, Percy witnesses the devastating impact of agribusiness on farmers, including debt and suicides. He realizes the broader consequences of Monsanto's practices beyond Canada. The experience strengthens his resolve to challenge the corporation.
When:1999 Where:India
- 9
Return home; wife hospitalized
Upon returning home, Percy's wife is hospitalized with a broken arm, signaling that their struggle is far from over. The couple faces renewed personal and financial strain as the case lumbers on. The atmosphere at home is tense as they await the next legal move.
When:1999-2000 Where:Canada
- 10
Withdrawal of resignation; commitment to fight
Jackson Weaver tells Percy that an appeal to the Supreme Court might be possible, and he offers to resign in solidarity if the case continues. Percy tears up the resignation letter, determined to fight on. They renew their efforts to pursue the highest court.
When:1999-2000 Where:Saskatchewan, Canada
Show the other 4 events of Percy Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Decision to appeal to the Supreme Court
Percy decides to appeal to the Supreme Court, bolstered by his wife's support. The decision marks a turning point in the battle, shifting attention to a national legal showdown. The pathway to a potential victory becomes clearer, even against long odds.
When:2000-2001 Where:Canada
- 12
Supreme Court ruling and aftermath
The Supreme Court rules that Percy can keep his farm but must give up all Roundup Ready seeds to Monsanto. He returns Monsanto's property and the farm is saved, though the victory is tempered by the loss of his seeds. The town's opinion shifts as Percy's perseverance is recognized.
When:2000-2001 Where:Canada
- 13
Rebecca highlights the broader impact
Rebecca later reveals that Percy's fight inspired other Canadian farmers not to grow Monsanto GMO wheat, with the US following suit. The case is framed as a turning point in farmers' resistance to corporate control of seeds.
When:Post-ruling 2001 Where:Canada/United States
- 14
Percy resumes farming for the next season
With the legal threat resolved, Percy resumes farming for the next season. His granddaughter expresses excitement about one day taking over the family farm. The memory of the battle lingers as he looks to the future.
When:2001-2002 Where:Saskatchewan, Canada
Who Are the Main Characters in Percy?
5 characters, among them Percy Schmeiser (Christopher Walken), Rebecca Salcau (Christina Ricci) and Jackson Weaver (Zach Braff): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Percy Schmeiser (Christopher Walken)
Played by Christopher Walken
Percy is a Saskatchewan canola farmer who faces a Monsanto lawsuit over alleged use of patented Roundup Ready seeds. He believes he is facing contamination rather than theft and fights to save his farm while becoming a public symbol of farmers' rights. His steadfast, principled stance drives him to publicly oppose Monsanto despite mounting debts and social ostracism. The campaign tests his resilience and redefines his role in the community.
- 🌾 Farmer
- ⚖️ Legal battle
- 🗺️ Public scrutiny
-
Rebecca Salcau (Christina Ricci)
Played by Christina Ricci
Rebecca is a representative of the People's Environmental Protect (PEP) who offers support to Percy. She pushes for transparency and public visibility, encouraging Percy to use media attention to fund his fight. Her involvement turns a local dispute into a broader protest against corporate control of seeds. Her advocacy highlights the role of civil society in environmental justice.
- 🌿 Environmental advocacy
- 🎙️ Media outreach
- 🧭 Public mobilization
-
Jackson Weaver (Zach Braff)
Played by Zach Braff
Jackson is Percy's local lawyer who initially doubts their chances but remains committed to the case. He navigates a challenging legal system, helps Percy confront Monsanto, and makes critical choices that influence the battle. His evolving role shows how legal strategy and personal integrity shape the fight for justice.
- ⚖️ Legal counsel
- 🗣️ Reluctant advocate
- 🤝 Alliance building
- ML
Monsanto Lawyer (Chris Glenat)
Played by Chris Glenat
The Monsanto lawyer embodies the corporate defense in the case, arguing for strict patent protection and the rights of the biotech giant. He employs legal strategies aimed at limiting Percy’s defense and preserving Monsanto’s market position. The character represents the formidable opposition faced by small farmers in patent disputes.
- ⚖️ Corporate power
- 💼 Legal strategy
- JL
Judge Lean (Ron Verwymeren)
Played by Ron Verwymeren
Judge Lean presides over the proceedings, shaping the procedural pace of the case and interpreting the law as it applies to patent rights and farmers’ practices. His rulings influence the trajectory of Percy’s defense and the outcome of the dispute. The judge embodies the formal, impartial machinery of the courtroom.
- ⚖️ Judicial process
- 🏛️ Courtroom drama
Where and When Is Percy Set?
Percy is set in Saskatchewan and Canada (Late 1990s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Late 1990s
The events unfold in the late 1990s Saskatchewan farming scene, where farmers confront patent disputes over seed technology. The era is marked by rising corporate leverage, media attention, and legal battles that mobilize communities beyond provincial borders. The struggle highlights how biotechnology and intellectual property issues intersect with rural livelihoods during this period.
Where
Saskatchewan, Canada
Saskatchewan's vast plains and canola fields form the backdrop for Percy's battle. The province's farming communities are tightly knit, shaped by changing seasons, debt, and hard work. The landscape is defined by wide skies, wind-swept fields, and a resilient farming culture at the heart of the story.
- 🏞️ Prairie landscapes
- 🚜 Rural farming communities
- 🇨🇦 Canada
What Are the Themes of Percy?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Corporate Power, Public Voice and Environmental Justice.
-
01
Corporate Power
The film centers on the imbalance of power between a multinational corporation and a single farmer. It examines how intellectual property and patent enforcement can impact livelihoods and community trust. The struggle highlights the limits of legal systems when confronted with corporate resources.
-
02
Public Voice
Percy's decision to speak openly against Monsanto turns a private battle into a global conversation. Media attention and public donations reshape the farmer's struggle into a wider movement. The theme explores the power and risks of giving voice to a cause.
-
03
Environmental Justice
The case ties agricultural practices, seed technology, and farmer welfare to broader concerns about sustainable farming. It links economic survival with questions about corporate responsibility and the long-term impacts of GM crops. The story frames environmental issues as personal, community, and national stakes.
What Kind of Film Is Percy?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and emotionally heavy drama that follows a lone farmer's stressful, years-long legal battle against a powerful corporation, creating an atmosphere of constant pressure and financial peril while finding hope in grassroots support.
- tense
- uphill battle
- oppressive
- hopeful
- anxious
- defiant
- david vs goliath
- legal battle
- corporate greed
- environmental activism
Content notes: financial ruin, suicide references, corporate harassment.
Quiz
How well do you remember Percy? Test yourself on the story.
