The Crime Movie On Netflix That Makes Big Banks The Real Bad Guys

By Steven Nelson | Published

Step into the chaotic world of high finance with The Big Short on Netflix. Ever wondered what really went down during the 2008 financial crisis? Buckle up, because you’re about to get a front-row seat to one of the most tumultuous times in modern economic history.

With a stellar cast and sharp, witty storytelling, this isn’t just a movie about numbers; it’s about the larger-than-life characters who saw the collapse coming. So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be entertained, educated, and utterly engrossed.

The Big Short isn’t just a film; it’s a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of Wall Street.

The Big Short Is On Netflix

The Big Short delves into the complex and often murky waters of the 2008 financial crisis, but it does so through the lens of a few perceptive and somewhat unconventional financial players who managed to predict the collapse of the housing market.

At the heart of the story is Michael Burry, a socially awkward hedge fund manager with a penchant for heavy metal music and barefootedness. Burry, after delving into the housing market data, comes to the startling realization that the market is extremely unstable, built on high-risk subprime loans that are likely to default.

He decides to do the unthinkable: bet against the housing market by investing in credit default swaps, a move that places him at odds with his investors.

The Movie Follows Multiple Real-Life Characters

Meanwhile, Jared Vennett, a suave and slick banker, accidentally discovers Burry’s analysis and decides to capitalize on this insight. He teams up with Mark Baum, a hot-tempered and deeply cynical hedge fund manager who is initially skeptical but eventually convinced of the impending doom.

Baum’s team delves deeper into the housing market, uncovering the layers of corruption, incompetence, and sheer recklessness that have infiltrated the system.

Parallel to these stories is the journey of young investors Charlie Geller and Jamie Shipley, who, with the help of retired banker Ben Rickert, also stumble upon the potential collapse.

Despite their inexperience, they manage to find their way into the big leagues to make their bet against the housing market.

Big Banks Are The Bad Guys

the big short

As the narrative unfolds, these characters navigate a financial landscape rife with denial, greed, and shortsightedness. The Big Short doesn’t just lay out the technicalities of the crisis; it humanizes it, highlighting the disbelief, frustration, and moral dilemmas faced by those who saw the disaster coming.

The film culminates in the eventual collapse of the housing market, leading to one of the worst financial crises in history, and leaving the audience to grapple with the stark realities of the financial world.

The Big Short Cast Is Amazing

the big short

Leading the cast is Christian Bale, who masterfully embodies the eccentric and brilliant Michael Burry, capturing both his social awkwardness and unwavering conviction.

Ryan Gosling shines as Jared Vennett, using his signature charm to portray the slick, yet cunning banker who serves not only as a central figure but also as the film’s sardonic narrator.

Steve Carell delivers a powerhouse performance as Mark Baum, providing the moral compass of the story, showcasing a character torn between profit and righteousness.

Rounding out the main cast are Brad Pitt as Ben Rickert, the disillusioned former banker turned mentor, and John Magaro and Finn Wittrock who breathe life into the roles of young, eager investors Charlie Geller and Jamie Shipley.

Though many don’t share screen time, each actor, in their unique way, encapsulates the varying reactions and emotions that surrounded the impending financial collapse.

The Movie Took Some Creative Liberties

the big short

The Big Short is often lauded for its accuracy in depicting the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. The film, based on Michael Lewis’s non-fiction book of the same name, does an admirable job of translating complex financial concepts and jargon into a format that’s digestible and engaging for a general audience.

It sticks closely to the real-life events and characters, with the main protagonists based on actual people who predicted the housing market collapse.

The film even creatively uses celebrity cameos to break the fourth wall and explain intricate financial instruments like mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations.

Stream The Big Short Now On Netflix

the big short

The Big Short is more than just a film about finance; it’s a compelling journey into the heart of one of the most significant economic events in recent history, brought to life by a stellar cast and sharp storytelling.

Streaming on Netflix, it offers both an educational and entertaining experience, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the complexities of the financial world.

Whether you’re a finance aficionado or just looking for a captivating movie night, The Big Short promises to engage, inform, and provoke thought long after the credits roll.