Equity

Equity is a ground-breaking drama-thriller movie released in 2016, directed by Meera Menon, boasting stellar performances by Anna Gunn, James Purefoy, and Sarah Megan Thomas. This movie distinguishes itself by offering a profound look into Wall Street through the unprecedented perspective of women in finance. It blends compelling character development with the white-knuckle world of high stakes finance, packaged with an undercurrent of suspense.

Anna Gunn shines in her leading role as Naomi Bishop, an experienced and ruthlessly ambitious investment banker. She takes centre stage, flawlessly portraying the world of stock trading from a feminine standpoint, a view far from the stereotypical masculine and ego-centred world usually portrayed. Her character bravely ventures into the male-dominated world of finance to secure her position and considers a promising new tech company as a golden ticket to consolidate her career. Gunn finely balances the character's cutthroat business acumen along with her inherent vulnerabilities, delivering a harmonious blend of toughness, determination, and softness that remarkably humanises the character.

James Purefoy plays Michael Connor, Naomi's on-and-off romantic interest, and a hedge-fund operator who often finds himself in situations that push the boundaries of ethical lines in investment decision-making. Purefoy’s nuanced performance adds complexity to his character's relationships, introducing an additional layer of intrigue into the mix.

Sarah Megan Thomas, who also serves as one of the movie's producers, plays Erin Manning, a protege of Naomi Bishop, ambitious, dedicated, and hungry for success. Thomas's juxtaposition of naivety and ambition makes her character's journey particularly intriguing, contributing dramatic turns to the narrative.

The brilliance of Equity also stems from its exploration of ethical quandaries within the finance industry. It incisively probes the murky waters of insider trading, corporate corruption, and personal morality in its pursuit of quick fortune. Amid the high-stake deals, we see characters wrestling with their integrity and making arduous decisions that will determine their career's trajectory and personal lives. This narrative setup allows Equity to transcend the confines of a standard financial thriller, offering the audience a deep-dive into the moral complexities of Wall Street culture.

The movie also smartly uses its narrative platform to bring out the inherent sexism prevalent in the financial industry. It subtly exposes the disparity between male and female bankers and the glass ceiling women face in their quest for equality.

Equity is further fueled by Alysia Reiner, who plays an intense prosecutor with the justice department, and Carrie Preston, who dons the role of Compliance Officer. Both lend their prowess to exacerbate the drama and tension that surround the plot’s primary narrative.

The cinematography by Eric Lin enhances the storytelling, capturing the heightening tension and high-energy atmosphere subtly but surely, imitating the world these characters live in – fast-paced, chilly, and stress-inducing. The film's direction and editing ensure the narrative progresses smoothly and maintains the suspense that permeates throughout the story.

Overall, Equity is a gripping drama thick with intrigue, balanced with a fresh perspective of women navigating a male-dominated industry where the stakes are high and the fallout could be catastrophic. The film doesn't merely mark its territory in the thriller genre but also offers an insightful commentary on the world of finance and the cost of ambition. With its remarkable performances, compelling storyline, and a subtle yet certain message about gender inequality, Equity stands out as a must-watch for not only finance geeks, but also for anyone who appreciates convincingly raw and real cinema.