[Review] The Banker(2020) {7/10}

Directed by George Nolfi from a screenplay by Nolfi, Stan Younger, David Lewis Smith and Niceole Levi, the film stars Anthony Mackie (Bernard Garrett), Nicholas Hoult (Matt Steiner), Samuel L. Jackson (Joe Morris) and Nia Long (Eunice Garrett).

Inspired by True Events, the film follows the story of two black businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson) who came up with a risky plan of hiring working-class White man Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult) to pretend to be rich, privileged and serve as the faux head of their own substantial real estate and banking business empire. Bernard, Joe, and Bernard's wife, Eunice (Nia Long), train Matt on their business affairs. Things go well until their prosperity gains the attention of the federal government, and they risk losing it all.

The Banker strives to help viewers understand the prevalence and destructive nature of racism and prejudice. It does an excellent job of showcasing America's legacy of housing and banking discrimination. The performance by Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson keeps the viewers engaged. Nicholas Hoult brings a believable innocence and compassion to the role of Matt Steiner. The casting,the writing, the cinematography, and the themes work well together. The storyline succinctly conveys the psychological dilemma of what it was like for Garrett and Morris to be living ahead of their time. The Banker offers respect for capitalism, a social conscience and a sense of fun. It cleverly highlights the power of teamwork and collaboration and shows that sometimes help can come from unlikely sources.

The Banker is now available to stream on Apple TV +