Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga takes a closer look at the events involving everyday retail investors and big money hedge funds winning and losing thanks to the stock price of GameStop. The documentary is now streaming on Netflix.

Story

In 2020, the Covid pandemic hit and entire populations were confined to their homes. Meanwhile, whole infrastructures became redundant and several people were laid off causing a financial crisis.

A group of everyday people known as “retail investors” began trading on the stock market and when some of them noticed the stock of video game store GameStop was being shorted, a once-in-a-lifetime movement began that caused significant damage to the wealthy elite and one percenters.

People gathered on Reddit, specifically on the subreddit “WallStreetBets” to promote the stock and through optimism and ridiculous meme culture and solidarity, these ordinary people managed to drive the price so high that people in power had to take notice.

Eventually, things got ugly and even a congressional hearing was held to scrutinise the legitimacy of the movement but in truth, this was just a story of David and Goliath where regular chance finally got a chance to get their chunk of flesh.

Positives

The mini-series gets opinions from people on both sides of the divide in the interest of neutrality and lets those people just be themselves which lets the audience decide on their own what or who to believe.

The technical aspects are explained in a simple and understanding manner without dumbing down the content too much. The focus is drawn on key information without overloading the viewer.

The graphics department also deserves credit for the visual aids provided while knowledge is being imparted. They use attractive effects and colour schemes while the animations are also pleasant.

Mikey Guggenheim’s appearance and subsequent song that accompanies the credits are wholly entertaining and also include his friends Rachael and Derik. Together, they come across as truly funny personalities and are a highlight of the documentary.

Negatives

There are times when the information moves a little too fast forcing the viewer to rewind in order to catch it again. This happens a few times and is the only blight of the series.

Verdict

Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga informs people about the completely unique perfect storm that hit the American stock market when a group of retail investors joined together to stand up to the system and proved how fragile and rigged it really is.

The documentary shows how the internet is a tool that can be harnessed for the good of the public and that dream scenarios are always achievable as long as enough people believe in them.