Watch Net Worth

Net Worth is a compelling drama film from 1995 that explores the cutthroat world of corporate finance during the 1980s, a decade known for its greed and excesses. It follows the lives of two contrasting protagonists: Steve Long (played by Aidan Devine), a shrewd and ambitious investment banker with a hunger for power, and Lorenzo Salviati (played by Kevin Conway), a seasoned executive who values loyalty and integrity above all else.

The movie opens with a montage of news clips announcing the historic merger of two major Canadian oil companies, Petro Canada and Gulf Canada. Steve Long sees this as his chance to climb up the corporate ladder and make a name for himself. He approaches his boss, Jack Riordan (played by Robin Gammell), with an audacious plan to buy out the shares of a small but influential shareholder, Vincent Di Angelo, who is holding out on the merger.

Jack is skeptical at first, but Steve convinces him that this move will not only secure their victory but also make them a lot of money. Steve's aggressive tactics arouse Lorenzo's suspicion, and he warns Steve that Vincent Di Angelo is not a pushover and that his loyalty cannot be bought. However, Steve is undeterred and digs deeper into Vincent's past to find any leverage he can use to get him to sell.

As the merger negotiations heat up, both Steve and Lorenzo face personal and professional challenges. Steve's ruthless nature and single-minded focus start to affect his relationships, particularly with his wife, Jane (played by R.H. Thomson), and his mentor, Jack. Meanwhile, Lorenzo's loyalty to his former boss and friend, Joe Preston (played by Saul Rubinek), is tested when Joe's company becomes a potential rival to Petro Canada.

Despite their differences, Steve and Lorenzo share a common struggle to balance their ambition with their conscience. Steve realizes that his pursuit of power has come at a cost, and he is not sure if it was worth it. Lorenzo grapples with his past mistakes and tries to make amends while still upholding his principles.

What sets Net Worth apart from other finance movies is its nuanced portrayal of the consequences of corporate greed and the human toll it takes. The characters are not caricatures of ruthless businessmen, but complex individuals with their own motivations and vulnerabilities. The movie also sheds light on the role of personal relationships and loyalty in the business world, which are often overlooked in depictions of Wall Street.

The performances by the cast are uniformly excellent, particularly Aidan Devine's portrayal of Steve Long. Devine brings a magnetic energy to the role that makes Steve both charismatic and terrifying. Kevin Conway also shines as Lorenzo Salviati, conveying his character's gravitas and empathy with subtlety and nuance. Robin Gammell is also memorable as the volatile and unpredictable Jack Riordan.

The direction by Jerry Ciccoritti is confident and stylish, with a sharp eye for detail and a talent for handling complex plotlines. The script by John Gray and Robin Spry is engaging and thought-provoking, balancing the technical jargon of finance with human drama and social commentary.

Overall, Net Worth is a compelling and entertaining drama that still resonates today, over 25 years after its release. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of the issues it explores, from corporate greed to personal integrity. This movie will appeal not only to fans of business dramas but also to anyone interested in the human condition and the sacrifices we make for success.

Net Worth is a 1995 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.