Jesse Armstrong, the creator of "Succession," returns with "Mountainhead," a razor-sharp HBO satire that’s already stirring conversation. The film, which premiered on Max and HBO on May 31, brings together a powerhouse cast including Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Ramy Youssef, and Cory Michael Smith.
Set in a secluded mountain mansion, "Mountainhead" follows four ultra-wealthy tech moguls as they gather for what appears to be a simple poker weekend. The group includes Hugo (Schwartzman), the host and meditation app founder desperate to join the billionaire club; Venis (Smith), a social media titan whose latest AI update has triggered global chaos; Jeff (Youssef), an AI entrepreneur with the power to fix the mess; and Randall (Carell), a venture capitalist facing a terminal diagnosis and existential dread.
As news of riots and economic turmoil caused by Venis’ platform spreads, the men are forced to confront their own responsibility—and their ruthless drive for more power. Armstrong’s script delivers biting humor and dark absurdity, taking aim at the unchecked egos and moral blindness of the tech elite.
Critics are praising "Mountainhead" for its timely relevance, sharp ensemble performances, and Armstrong’s signature blend of comedy and discomfort. The film currently holds a strong 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has quickly climbed to the top of Max’s streaming charts.
Steve Carell, as the ailing yet arrogant Randall, stands out with a performance that balances pathos and satire, making the audience laugh even as the world outside the mountain retreat unravels.
"Mountainhead" is a must-watch for fans of dark comedy and anyone curious about the inner workings—and dysfunctions—of the tech world’s richest players.
