Directed by Craig Gillespie, Dumb Money is a 2023 American biographical comedy-drama film. The cast includes a lot of famous actors like Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, Vincent D'Onofrio, America Ferrera, Nick Offerman, Anthony Ramos, Sebastian Stan, Shailene Woodley, and Seth Rogen.
Filmed in “Dumb Money” in New Jersey from October to November 2022, the movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2023.
After that, it was released in the United States by Sony Pictures Releasing. It came out in a few theaters on September 15, 2023, and then in more theaters on September 29, 2023. Critics generally liked the movie, and it made $20 million around the world.
However, with such an extraordinary story, you may find it difficult to believe that it is true. But is it? Let's explain.
Is Dumb Money a True Story?
Yes, the main plot of Dumb Money is based on real-life events, especially the Reddit GameStop incident of 2021.
The official storyline synopsis for Dumb Money is as follows: “Dumb Money is based on the incredible true story of the YouTuber who drove Wall Street to its knees and made millions by transforming the video-game store GameStop into the world's hottest company.
“In the midst of it all comes regular person Keith Gill, who begins by investing his life savings in the stock and posting about it. When his social media posts go viral, so do his life and the lives of those who follow him. As a stock tip becomes a movement, everyone gains wealth – until the billionaires strike back, and both sides worlds are turned upside down.”
Read More: Is Netflix’s Iron Reign Based on a True Story?
You may remember the Reddit GameStop stock incident just for the memes it spawned, but beneath it all is a true story about Wall Street millionaires versus the common man.
Dumb Money is also based on a book, namely Ben Mezrich's ‘The Antisocial Network: The GameStop Short Squeeze and the Ragtag Group of Amateur Traders That Brought Wall Street to Its Knees'.
