HBO’s ongoing prestige drama “Industry”, which just wrapped its breakout third season, is a challenge to encapsulate succinctly. Despite drawing frequent comparisons to other HBO heavyweights like “Succession” and “Euphoria,” “Industry” defies the notion of a single, clearly defined overarching theme. What it lacks in linear thematic development, it compensates with an exhilarating and unpredictable storytelling style that effortlessly hooks its audience. Fans of the series often express more comfort in articulating the intense emotions it evokes, rather than detailing its plot. In its third season, “Industry” has confidently established a unique rhythm and style, positioning itself to potentially be one of the standout shows of 2024.
Set on the high-octane trading floor of Pierpoint, a fictional elite investment bank in London, “Industry” dives into both the professional and personal lives of its characters. Season one introduces us to the main cast as fresh graduates, ripe for exploitation and mistreatment within the corporate maze. Showrunners Mickey Down and Konrad Kay took advantage of their inexperience to craft a sensational narrative marked by high-stakes mishaps and emotional turmoil. The second season received praise for refinement in both narrative cohesion and character development. Season three, however, has taken these improvements even further, blending sharp and dramatic writing with relentless energy that consistently delivers an abundance of drama per episode.
Returning in her gripping role, Myha’la Herrold reprises her role as Harper Stern, who has been relegated to a mundane desk job as an assistant after her termination in the previous season. Eric Tao, portrayed by Ken Leung, sees his career take off with a promotion at Pierpoint. Meanwhile, Marisa Abela expands her role as Yasmin Kara-Hanani, a beleaguered heiress facing public scrutiny due to a scandal involving her elusive father. Harry Lawtey’s Robert Spearing grapples with his career’s sustainability in the brutal financial sector.
Throughout the season’s eight episodes, Down and Kay subject their characters to extreme swings between triumph and disaster. This mirrors the volatile stock graphs the Pierpoint employees scrutinize daily.
. For viewers intimidated by the dense financial jargon, rest assured that even the actors remain in the dark about the specific implications of the trades they dramatize. The true genius of “Industry” lies in its portrayal of raw emotional turmoil, which transcends the need for a detailed understanding of financial intricacies. The emotional stakes are universally relatable, emphasizing primal human emotions over technical know-how.
The dynamic between Harper and Eric, filled with mutual inspiration and betrayal, resonates far beyond Pierpoint’s walls. Yasmin and Robert also pursue professional aspirations that transcend their current environment, yet find themselves hindered by personal trials. The deliberate absence of a ‘happily ever after’ theme encapsulates the show’s realistic portrayal of the selfish and morally ambiguous world of high finance.
A notable transformation this season is the show’s evolved confidence in its storytelling, simplifying its focus for a more engaged viewer experience. Down and Kay have prudently honed the show to concentrate primarily on one trading desk, resulting in a more immersive narrative without unnecessary complexity. The introduction of new characters, such as Kit Harrington’s intriguing old-money CEO and Sarah Goldberg’s Petra Koenig — who allies with Harper to start a new firm — injects fresh energy and perspectives. New faces like Miriam Petche’s Gen-Z trader Sweetpea bring a refreshing touch to the ensemble, representing the incoming tide of diverse young talent in the finance world.
“Industry” has hit a new high in viewership and fan engagement this season, culminating in a finale with ambitious and bold revelations. This brutal lack of generosity towards its characters translates to a profoundly generous viewing experience for its audience. Given the show’s renewal for a fourth season, it would be unwise to be anything but optimistic about “Industry”‘s future. It promises to deliver high returns in emotional and dramatic investment, making it a must-watch.
“Industry” is available for streaming on JioCinema.
Published – September 30, 2024 11:35 am IST
English cinema / World cinema / television / reviews
