Mountainhead Review: Armstrong's Debut Film on Toxic Masculinity

Renowned creator Jesse Armstrong of the iconic HBO series Succession, makes his first foray into film direction with Mountainhead. Although bearing similarities with Armstrong's previous work in its examination of toxic masculinity and the misconduct of the wealthy, this film feels somewhat haphazard in its execution and its cultural impact is expected to be less prominent.

The plot revolves around four affluent tech entrepreneurs who congregate for a reunion at a luxurious mountaintop estate in Utah. The ensemble includes Randall, the world's second richest man; tech innovator, Jeff; social media mogul, Venis; and the less affluent host, Hugo. Their initially tranquil retreat turns into a nightmare as the global socio-economic landscape crumbles around them, with widespread violence, plummeting financial markets, collapsing governments, and a disinformation-ridden internet.

As their financial empires teeter on the brink, the quartet grows increasingly apprehensive while concurrently identifying potential opportunities to capitalize on the pervasive chaos. When their circumstances deteriorate further, they take refuge in the estate's underground bunker.

Without delving into spoilers, it can be safely stated that the film takes some dark and absurd turns from this point, highlighting Armstrong's preference for dialogue over physical comedy. The writer-director's knack for sharp, insightful dialogue evidently saves the film, despite a few narrative miscues. The overall impact is further bolstered by the dynamic performances of the four lead actors, who imbue their detestable characters with a fierce fervor, reminiscent of performances from Succession. A must watch for anyone interested in a blend of humor and profundity, Mountainhead promises an engaging watch.