HBO premiered their new finance drama Industry on November 9th.
The drama is unlike any finance show or film we have seen in the past. The show was penned by former Investment bankers Micky Down and Konrad Kay and shows the harsh reality behind the world finance from intense pressures to succeed, fast money, misogyny, and substance abuse. Industry isn’t just a show about Pierpoint & Co, but a show about identity, intersectionality, and the many struggles that come with being a young adult.
Audiences will see the graduates entering a summer program at a renowned bank where they will compete for a full-time position. The graduates come from a variety of backgrounds however, they all end up at Pierpoint & Co based on their talent, intellect, and qualifications. They represent different institutions, countries, races, and classes but they’re all are competing for the same thing: a full-time position at Pierpoint.
The character of Gus, played by David Jonsson, shows the realities and struggles of being a gay Black man. He is a multidimensional character. The character of Gus tells the story of many. He, like all of the graduates, experiences the intense pressure to succeed and maximize gains for the bank. However, what makes Gus’ experience different is the combined pressure he places on himself under being the token. Gus’ story in the words of David Jonsson is something that has yet to be told. In many ways, Gus is privileged by class and education attending Eton College, a prestigious boarding school, and eventually graduating from Oxford University. However, his privileges intersect with being both Black and gay showing the unique experience that comes with intersectionality. The hyper-awareness of his own decision making and how he navigates the office is an experience many people of color know well.
David Jonsson’s portrayal of Gus will allow many to reflect on identity and privilege and Gus’s story is one that many people around the globe and in multiple different industries will be able to relate to. Check out our exclusive interview with David above!
Industry premiered November 9th on HBO.
