Money Monster

Flamboyant financial expert Lee Gates hosts his television show, *Money Monster*, where he provides insights and recommendations on stock investments. During this episode, Lee discusses the recent plunge in stock prices for IBIS Clear Capital, following a catastrophic glitch in a trading algorithm, resulting in substantial losses for investors.

The stock of IBIS Clear Capital takes a surprising dive, losing $800 million due to a trading algorithm glitch. This shocking event sends ripples across the investment community and puts immense pressure on the company's leadership.

Lee was scheduled to interview Walt Camby, the CEO of IBIS Clear Capital, for insights into the stock plunge. However, Camby unexpectedly leaves for a business trip to Geneva, leaving his chief communications officer, Diane Lester, to replace him on video chat.

In a dramatic turn of events, Kyle Budwell, a distraught deliveryman and victim of the stock crash, enters the studio with a gun and takes Lee Gates hostage. Kyle, having invested his life savings based on Lee's endorsement, demands accountability for the losses he incurred.

Kyle, filled with rage and desperation, insists that the live camera feeds be turned back on while threatening to take drastic actions if his orders are not met. His demand escalates the situation, transforming the show into a hostage crisis that attracts media attention.

Patty Fenn, the show’s director, secretly works behind the scenes to resolve the hostage crisis while communicating discreetly with Lee through an earpiece. Her quick thinking aims to defuse the escalating tension, all while keeping Kyle unaware of her efforts.

As the hostage situation unfolds live, police surround the studio to regain control. Captain Marcus Powell leads the operation, preparing to negotiate and collect information on how to resolve the crisis without further escalating violence.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Diane Lester decides to get involved. She contacts a programmer in Seoul, Won Joon, who reveals critical information regarding the trading algorithm, noting that human intervention triggered the significant losses.

In a move to regain public support, Lee goes live, urging viewers to buy IBIS stock to help stabilize the crumbling situation. His pleas, however, seem ineffective as the chaos around him escalates, intensifying Kyle's anger and desperation.

Kyle connects with his pregnant girlfriend, Molly, to discuss the dire situation. However, their talk quickly deteriorates as Molly's realization of their financial ruin leads to further tension between the couple.

After discovering that Camby was actually in Johannesburg, Lee, Kyle, and the crew make a dramatic move towards Federal Hall to confront him. The situation escalates as they prepare to unmask the truth behind IBIS's downfall.

In a thrilling climax, Camby is forced to confess his corrupt actions on live television under the threat of Kyle. He reveals the bribes he used to secure investments and admits to orchestrating the events leading to the crash.

As the dust begins to settle, the SEC steps in to investigate IBIS Clear Capital, aiming to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing. Amid the turmoil, Lee and Patty are relieved to hear that their colleague Ron, injured in the confrontation, will survive.

The events leading up to the hostage crisis underline the chaotic nature of financial markets and the devastating impacts of unchecked corporate greed. The story amplifies the urgency for accountability in business practices, highlighting the need for reform.