Ben Affleck

A brilliant but defensive young man, Will, manipulates and deconstructs his court-ordered psychologist during a therapy session. Will uses his intellect to deflect from his own issues by attacking the therapist's personal life and professional credibility.

Will, a brilliant but troubled young man, attempts to defend himself in court against assault charges by citing obscure legal precedents and philosophical quotes. The judge, unimpressed by his theatrics, reviews Will's extensive criminal record and ultimately denies his motion to dismiss, offering him a sarcastic piece of advice.

At a bar, a Harvard student named Clark attempts to impress two women by belittling Chuckie, a working-class friend of Will's. Will, a self-taught genius, steps in to defend Chuckie and verbally dismantles Clark's academic pretensions, exposing his lack of original thought.

Sean challenges Will's intellectual arrogance, arguing that book knowledge is no substitute for the vulnerability and pain of real-life experience.

Sean shares intimate, humorous memories of his late wife to teach Will that true intimacy comes from embracing each other's imperfections.

Skylar asks Will to move to California with her, triggering a volatile confrontation about Will's fear of abandonment and his traumatic past.

Will delivers a rapid-fire, cynical monologue explaining his moral objections to working for the NSA and the global consequences of his labor.

A seasoned detective recounts a haunting story about planting evidence in a stash house and the heartbreaking encounter with a young child.