HBO’s current prestige drama “Industry,” which recently concluded its third season, has proven to be quite the enigma. While it may lack the overt thematic cohesion seen in predecessors like “Succession” and “Euphoria,” Industry has nonetheless found a dedicated audience who connect deeply with its raw portrayal of ambition, betrayal, and emotional volatility. Settling into its distinctive rhythm, the show is poised to become one of the must-watch series of 2024.
Set against the frenetic backdrop of a fictional London investment bank, Pierpoint, “Industry” traces the professional and personal lives of its young workers. The first season introduced viewers to a group of fresh graduates, newly minted and unwittingly thrown into the harrowing world of high finance. This setup allowed co-creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay to accentuate the stark, cut-throat environment inhabited by these novices, contributing to a sensational first season. However, it was the second season that truly captured critics and viewers’ attention, showcasing a more cohesive narrative arc. Season three maintains this momentum, delivering sharp, dramatic writing that serves up ample helpings of suspense and intrigue.
Returning favorites include Myha’la Herrold as Harper Stern, who faces a seemingly stagnant career after being fired last season only to wind up in a mundane desk job as an assistant. Meanwhile, her former mentor Eric Tao, portrayed by Ken Leung, enjoys a promotion at Pierpoint, setting the stage for renewed tensions. Marisa Abela takes on an expanded role as Yasmin Kara-Hanani, the beleaguered heiress caught in a family scandal that places her under intense scrutiny. Harry Lawtey’s Robert Spearing continues to grapple with his place in the harsh world of finance, questioning his future in the industry.
Across eight gripping episodes, Down and Kay maneuver their characters through a tortuous maze of their deepest fears and most tantalizing dreams. The result is a show that echoes the ever-fluctuating charts watched by Pierpoint’s employees, perpetually oscillating between extreme highs and lows. For those apprehensive about the show’s dense financial language, rest assured, even the actors themselves often don’t grasp the intricate trades they endlessly shout about.
. This deliberate ambiguity underscores a universal truth: the specifics of the economic deals are secondary to the immediate emotional stakes and individual turmoil each character experiences.
The genius of “Industry” lies in its emotional core. The show’s appeal doesn’t hinge on the audience’s understanding of its jargon-laden dialogue but on the palpable tension, betrayals, and aspirations that resonate universally. The raw feelings of being outsmarted by a protegee you’ve trained or wrestling with a scandal in your family, hit home with devastating impact thanks to the deft writing and compelling performances of its ensemble cast.
The intricate dynamics between characters such as Harper and Eric who simultaneously inspire and sabotage each other, or the complex journeys of Yasmin and Robert seeking fulfillment beyond Pierpoint, imbue the series with a richness that elevates it above simple categorization. Unlike traditional family dramas or coming-of-age tales, “Industry” defies easy labels, blending professional upheaval with personal strife to create something wholly original. Down and Kay, with their own histories in investment banking, convey through their scripts the profound incompatibility of high-stakes finance with the humanity at the core of their characters.
This season has seen the actors and creators reach a new level of comfort and expertise, refining the show to provide a balance between immersive storytelling and accessibility. Focusing primarily on one trading desk has streamlined the narrative, making it more approachable without losing the layered complexities fans have come to expect. The arrival of new cast members, such as Kit Harington as an eccentric old-money CEO and Sarah Goldberg as Petra Koenig, who joins forces with Harper to start a new venture, injects fresh energy into the series.
“Industry” has reached its peak in viewership, a testament to its growing fanbase and the resonance of its dramatic arcs. This enthusiastic reception culminated in a finale that didn’t shy away from bold moves, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what comes next. With a fourth season already in the pipeline, the future looks bright for “Industry.” As it stands, this series is a solid investment for anyone seeking a rewarding and emotionally rich viewing experience.
Available for streaming on JioCinema, “Industry” continues to defy expectations and capture the complexities of life at the intersection of professional ambition and personal entanglements.
Published – September 30, 2024 11:35 am IST
English cinema / World cinema / Television / Reviews
