The Founder

A 2016 American biographical drama film directed by John Lee Hancock. It is based on the true story of Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), an ambitious entrepreneur who transformed a small fast-food restaurant, founded by brothers Mac (John Carroll Lynch) and Dick (Nick Offerman) McDonald, into the world's largest fast-food chain. The film begins in 1954 when Kroc, a struggling kitchen appliance salesman, stumbles upon McDonald's, a small but highly efficient restaurant in California utilizing a revolutionary "Speedee Service System." Impressed by their methods, he convinces the brothers to let him franchise their brand. However, as the business grows, Kroc begins to clash with the brothers over his aggressive expansion strategies and cutthroat business tactics. He gradually seizes control of the company, making secret deals and exploiting legal loopholes to ultimately push the McDonald brothers out. The film portrays how Kroc's ambition, persistence, and ruthless business methods led to the creation of the McDonald's empire, while also exploring themes of ethics, betrayal, and the American Dream.