There was a time when business biopics capturing America’s greatest attempts at capitalism used to be a silver screen affair. Nearly a decade ago, moviegoers were rushing to the theaters to see how Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook in the 2010 film The Social Network and to get inside the head of former salesman Ray Kroc, who elevated a small burger joint named McDonald’s, in 2016’s The Founder.
Times have changed. Streaming giants seem to have first picks of the business biopic, opting to show these films on limited release in select theaters before making the film accessible on their platforms. The Beanie Bubble is no exception.
The Story Of The Beanie Baby
An Apple Original film, The Beanie Bubble was penned by politician Al Gore’s daughter, Kristin Gore, based on the Zac Bissonnette book, The Great Beanie Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute. Zach Galifianakis is Ty Warner, an eager toy salesman who hits the business lottery when three significant women in his life help him create one of the most hyped toy frenzies in history.
The three women are all sharp, go-getters playing essential roles in Warner’s story. Robbie, played by Elizabeth Banks, makes her impact from the top as the gusty co-founder of Ty Inc. who has a knack for maneuvering Warner’s narcissistic behavior. Geraldine Viswanathan is the clever entry-level employee, Maya, who’s keen eye for technology singlehandedly catapults Beanie Baby sales online.
Warner’s love interest, Sheila (Sarah Snook), has a different hold on the high-octave CEO as the long-suffering support that rounds out the prominent figures needed to create a business tycoon. Even the longtime secretary, Rose (Tracey Bonner), plays a part in keeping Warner together.
Watch The Official Trailer For ‘The Beanie Bubble’
What makes The Beanie Bubble unique?
While the ride up is a jubilant, wild one, the downside comes complete with Robbie being closed out of Ty Inc., Maya facing the inevitable glass ceiling, and Sheila experiencing a darker side of the entrepreneur.
Similar to its biopic predecessors, The Social Network and The Founder, The Beanie Bubble drives home the cautionary tale of the ambitious getting ahead by snubbing others. Both Zuckerberg and Kroc used natural wit, sneaky tactics, and undeniable business acumen to their benefit, and Warner appears to have done the same.
The undertones of the film, in a way, pays homage to the women behind the executive. Not too many stories of business success will admit women were the reasons for that success.
There’s also the believability and phenomenal chemistry between the actors. Although Galifianakis’ character requires a degree of unbecoming behavior, his comedic personality and charisma makes for an interesting pic.
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Should there be one standout from them all, it would be the story of Maya. Not only is she relatable, but her story also represents all the visionary entry-levelers who know that just one yes could open the door to their purpose.
Is The Beanie Bubble worth the watch?
The Beanie Bubble is definitely worth the nearly two hours to watch, and quite frankly, should be added to the list of biopics recommended for business school capstones and case studies. The story of small plush toys could be a bore, but at the direction of wife-and-husband team, Gore and Damian Kulash, the film ended up being a colorful, fast-paced retelling of a crazy era in capitalistic society.
The Beanie Bubble is streaming now on Apple TV+.
