Bank of Dave, 2023.
Directed by Chris Foggin.
Starring Joel Fry, Phoebe Dynevor, Rory Kinnear, Jo Hartley, Hugh Bonneville, Paul Kaye, Cathy Tyson, Florence Hall, Naomi Battrick, Harry Michell, Angus Wright, Adrian Lukis, Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Phil Collen, Rick Allen, Vivian Campbell, Darwin Taylor, Steve Edge, Simone Holmes, Roger Morlidge, Carrie Crookall, Freddie Bolt, Bobby Hirston, and Sean Dyche.
SYNOPSIS:
Based on the true-life experiences of Dave Fishwick; ‘Bank of Dave‘ tells the story of how a working-class Burnley man and self-made millionaire fought to set up a community bank.
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, Bank of Dave wouldn’t exist.
It has been 150 years since London has granted a new banking license. And while the feel-good, well-meaning, and sincere Bank of Dave concludes on a happy, optimistic note, that time is likely closer to 160 years. From director Chris Foggin and screenwriter Piers Ashworth, the film announces itself as “based on a true-ish story,” so there’s no surprise that some details have been embellished upon further investigation. Still, the very existence of Bank of Dave falls into place with the goals of its endearing, whimsical, self-made millionaire entrepreneur with a heart of gold and his dedicated efforts to exposing the wrongdoings and internal flaws of a banking systemic structure not concerned with local establishments strictly for local communities.
Dave Fishwick is played by Rory Kinnear (a drastic change in character, coming off an unforgettably creepy, surreal performance in Alex Garland’s Men, here playing a man so lovable and down to earth one can’t help but wish he lived around them to experience some of that kindness and support firsthand), deciding to use his wealth for more than loaning fellow Burnley residents cash or investing in their projects (such as the construction of a sports center), obtaining a bank license to open his own, to more professionally hand out that money, while also donating profits to charity.
Centering a film on such a noble, determined game-changer using his wealth for the greater good always has the chance to backfire and come across as condescending. There is no shortage of corny plot points and moments here, but on the whole, the character of Dave Fishwich is quirky and endearing. He is easy to get behind for every step of this arduous quest, met with roadblocks from the corrupt elite. The film also smoothly incorporates his love for karaoke and Def Leppard into the story, with a cameo performance from the latter while putting on a fundraiser concert.
Somewhat questionably, the narrative is told from the perspective of wealthy London lawyer Hugh (Joel Fry), who is given the cliché character arc transformation of a professional contractor looking down on the impoverished small-town Dave is trying to help, jumping on board with his cause and joining the fight to do whatever he can to ensure Dave achieves his goal. He also begins a flirtation with a clinic worker named Alexandra (Phoebe Dynevor), further melting him into a bleeding heart liberal. However, Joel Fry is also charming, and his character growth likewise feels earnest and believable as he experiences a culture shock from ingratiating himself into the lives of the working class.
There is some forced, hokey drama in the form of a troubled woman friend of Hugh quick to betray him and jeopardize the process for obtaining the bank license. This weak subplot stands out in a film where some liberties have transparently been taken. Again, it’s easy to let such inaccuracies slide since the core story and activist message is moving, with warm and gentle performances from the ensemble. Bank of Dave is worth your viewing investment.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com
