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Business Ethics

Name: Business Ethics
Director: Nick Wernham
Released: 2020
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

7.9/10

Good

2020

Director

Nick Wernham

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Business Ethics succeeds in diversifying the face of high-finance cinema by featuring a Black protagonist in a role traditionally occupied by white actors. This casting choice challenges racial stereotypes in the finance genre. The film also provides a strong critique of Western capitalist structures, using the framework of a Ponzi scheme to highlight the systemic corruption of economic ambition. However, the film lacks meaningful representation for LGBTQ+ identities and does not clearly depict characters with disabilities in an empowered manner. Mental health issues are used primarily as narrative devices rather than as nuanced character development.

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Category Breakdown

Does Business Ethics have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships in its main storyline.

How does Business Ethics portray gender?

Fair

The movie challenges traditional ideas of masculinity by showing the male lead's success as a form of personal and psychological failure. Characters like Veronica sometimes fall into traditional gender roles, but the overall focus is on the ethical dilemmas faced by the main character.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Business Ethics?

Good

By casting Larenz Tate as the lead, the film places a Black protagonist in the traditionally white-dominated world of finance, disrupting typical industry stereotypes.

How does Business Ethics represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques Western capitalist institutions by presenting the pursuit of financial success as a tragic and corrupting force. It questions the sanctity of economic hierarchies and the moral implications of wealth.

Does Business Ethics include disability representation?

Limited

The film centers on mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts as key plot drivers, but it is unclear whether these conditions are portrayed with genuine ability to act or simply as tools to create tension.

Present on Screen

The film disrupts racial stereotypes by casting a Black lead in a traditionally white-dominated finance role.
It offers a strong critique of Western capitalism by framing economic ambition as a systemic cycle of corruption.
The narrative challenges traditional male clichés by depicting success as a form of personal and psychological failure.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks meaningful representation for LGBTQ+ characters or narratives.
Mental health issues are used primarily as narrative devices rather than nuanced character studies.
Some characters, like Veronica, risk falling into traditional gender role clichés.

Official Synopsis

Fresh out of business school, Zachery Cranston seems to have all the tools necessary to succeed in the world of finance. But he is ambitious to a fault and finds himself lured by a dramatic new idea for a fund that may not be so legal.

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