The Big Short is a 2015 biographical drama directed by Adam McKay that explores the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. Based on the book by Michael Lewis, the film follows a group of unconventional investors who discover that the U.S. housing market—built on subprime loans and risky mortgage-backed securities—is on the brink of collapse. Realizing the scale of the impending disaster, they bet against the housing market through a financial instrument called a credit default swap, profiting from the eventual meltdown while exposing the deep corruption, greed, and ignorance at the heart of Wall Street.
The film is notable for its unique storytelling techniques, blending dark humor, fast-paced editing, and fourth-wall-breaking explanations of complex financial instruments, often delivered by celebrities in unexpected cameos. Featuring an ensemble cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, The Big Short is both a scathing critique of the financial system and a sobering warning about the consequences of unchecked capitalism. Its sharp wit and clear-eyed depiction of systemic failure helped earn it critical acclaim and the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
