Money may be sexy, but the most aggressive techniques of making money, such as banking schemes that enrich the wealthy, are not. While such practices may be unfair and perhaps even illegal, they lack appeal. Among the most disreputable activities related to capitalism, big investing is particularly dull.
In the documentary “Apes Together Strong”, filmmakers Finley Mulligan and Quinn Mulligan use a microbudget and no access to movie stars to provide insights on how to short-sell stock. They use a sketch, featuring a bag of sugar that is borrowed, sold, and bought again at a profit or a loss.
The name of the film is derived from the motto of the talking simians in the modern “Planet of the Apes” movies. Retail investors who united to lead the GameStop “short squeeze” in 2021 embraced it. These small investors successfully raised the stock price of GameStop, a store chain targeted for market assassination by hedge funds.
The Mulligans quickly interview retail investors and banking experts who support the small investors’ cause, using a fast-paced style reminiscent of Michael Moore or Morgen Spurlock. Historical interviews with the villains — hedge fund scavengers, big finance executives, and the Reagan White House with its push to deregulate banking — are shown mainly through archival footage.
Although the lessons are familiar, and the phrase “the house always wins” is mentioned at one point, hope distinguishes this story. Dennis M. Kelleher, CEO of the investor advocacy nonprofit Better Markets, asserts that “Wall Street wins largely because they are unopposed.” Nonetheless, the documentary concludes with a rallying cry.
Apes Together Strong
Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 29 minutes. Available to rent or buy on Amazon.
