Dumb Money – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Dumb Money – Of Stocks and Satire: Buy, Buy, Buy!!!

What is it that makes a true story so endearing?  When it comes to film, that ‘truth’ provides the initial hook, but it’s the journey that is the real grip.  From representation to causality, you only hope for a fulfilling experience.  In this review, I look at the latest ‘inspired by real events’ film.  This is a tale where the realities of the stock market meet satire.  With a stellar cast and a straight-forward narrative, Dumb Money is a journey of how the little guy can win big on Wall Street.

The story follows Keith Gill (Paul Dano), a financial analyst who risks everything to take on the might of Wall Street.  When it comes to ‘real event’ films, there is a middle ground of balancing truth within storytelling.  In the beginning, we are introduced to our main character, and his ongoing hobby of giving financial advice through his online persona, Roaring Kitty.  Through initial conversations (expositional elements), he notices that certain investment firms are tanking GameStop stock for the purpose of a short sale.  Through his video feed, he indicates a push (more expositional elements) to buy this stock.  He believes this countermove will prove vital in stopping the short sale.  From this point, the story becomes a tug-a-war between Gill’s group and the investment firm, leading down a path of financial consequences for everyone involved.  On the surface, the film is a linear directive of the ‘David vs. Goliath’ motif.  As it continues through this adaptation, it pushes forward a more satirical aspect of the events.  This allows a buildup of characters, their journey and how the unlikeliness becomes the calling card for something greater.  Through each scene, the filmmakers manage to create tension through general conversations, building up a thematic struggle of endearment and hope.  Through Gill (and his followers), you have a grounded sense of Wall Street through the honest reflection of the directive’s use of social machinations.  This allows the fragility of choice to bleed through each moment of the financial tug-a-war.  As things begin to dance along a thin thread, the ramification of the rising price hits a certain zeal, pushing Gill (and others) to a point of no return.

Through certain unforeseen circumstances, the choices made (by those involved) lead to an unsuspected fallout.  Standing at a crossroads, Gill faces the ultimate test of his knowledge against the high stake’s world of Wall Street.  With only a fool’s prayer, we head into a third act of predictable tropes and strong character moments.  Even within what is real, we still get a good wholesome climax and epilogue.  Dumb Money is a true story that becomes more whimsical in its events.  If you are a fan of true stories, dialogue driven movies or satire, this is one for you.  For me, it is worth the Full Price.

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)