I wasn't crazy about this film; it left me pretty cold. It has its moments and the performances are good, but like you, I was expecting something more bold from the story's resolution. "Tech oligarchs are assholes and they always win" isn't exactly a profound insight.
I think it's supposed to leave us cold. As for the resolution, I agree it's not a profound insight, but it's a true insight. Plus, what other art is even attempting to skewer this right now? It needs to be called out.
Maybe it's a matter of expectations for me, given Armstrong's previous work. Succession's satire, while not always subtle (not that this is a criticism; I don't think Armstrong wants or needs to be subtle all the time), I considered more biting likely because we were privy to the characters' private and social lives, as well as their non-corporate pursuits and ambitions. Difficult to do something similar in a 90 minute single-location feature, so perhaps it's more apples-to-oranges. In any case, enjoyed the write-up.
I think you hit the nail on the head. It's a movies vs. TV scenario. In 90 minutes, you need to make your points and wrap up your case. In TV, it can be more empathetic and open-ended and a journey with the characters.
I wasn't crazy about this film; it left me pretty cold. It has its moments and the performances are good, but like you, I was expecting something more bold from the story's resolution. "Tech oligarchs are assholes and they always win" isn't exactly a profound insight.
I think it's supposed to leave us cold. As for the resolution, I agree it's not a profound insight, but it's a true insight. Plus, what other art is even attempting to skewer this right now? It needs to be called out.
Maybe it's a matter of expectations for me, given Armstrong's previous work. Succession's satire, while not always subtle (not that this is a criticism; I don't think Armstrong wants or needs to be subtle all the time), I considered more biting likely because we were privy to the characters' private and social lives, as well as their non-corporate pursuits and ambitions. Difficult to do something similar in a 90 minute single-location feature, so perhaps it's more apples-to-oranges. In any case, enjoyed the write-up.
I think you hit the nail on the head. It's a movies vs. TV scenario. In 90 minutes, you need to make your points and wrap up your case. In TV, it can be more empathetic and open-ended and a journey with the characters.