Arbitrage 2012

Sixty-year-old multi-billionaire Robert Miller (Richard Gere) is at the helm of a hedge fund managed alongside his daughter Brooke (Brit Marling). As Miller prepares to sell the company for a significant profit, he is secretly juggling a web of deceit. Unbeknownst to Brooke and his employees, Miller has manipulated the company’s financial records to obscure a major investment loss, all to sidestep potential fraud charges. A hefty loan of $412 million from a shrewd investment banker looms over him, with the risk of losing the money threatening the impending sale.

On a fateful evening, while driving with his mistress Julie Cote (Laetitia Casta), Miller’s exhaustion leads to a tragic accident that results in Julie’s death. Rather than face the music, he flees the scene, desperate to shield his wife Ellen (Susan Sarandon) and maintain the facade of his life. The following day, he finds himself ensnared in a police investigation led by detective Bryer (Tim Roth), who is eager to unravel the truth behind the accident.

Miller concocts a story about his whereabouts, claiming he was home with Ellen as Bryer digs deeper. In an intriguing turn of events, police discover that Miller had a concealed lease on an apartment used by Julie, raising even more suspicion about his involvement. Meanwhile, Brooke uncovers the dark financial irregularities, leading to a confrontational dialogue with her father. Miller attempts to justify his risk-laden copper mine investment in Russia and the subsequent financial turmoil that ensued, convincing Brooke of the dire need for the firm to sell.

As Bryer follows the breadcrumbs and links Jimmy Grant (Nate Parker), a young man Miller helped in the past, to the night of the accident, the noose begins to tighten. Though Jimmy recognizes the implications of his silence, he remains loyal and refuses to divulge Miller’s secrets. Conflict ensues as Miller mentors Jimmy, reinforcing that the sale closure is paramount, even as it leads to Jimmy’s own arrest.

Tensions mount when Miller confronts Mayfield, the buyer, learning that delays have jeopardized the transaction. With a keen sense of negotiation, Miller asserts the value of his operation, successfully clinching a deal worth $525 million. Eventually, he navigates the legal maze, proving that Bryer fabricated critical evidence against Jimmy, thereby dismissing all charges.

However, as Miller’s life seems to stabilize, Ellen devises a plan to leverage the ongoing police investigation against him, seeking a separation agreement that would allow her to claim his wealth. Like a true businessman, Miller stands firm against her threats, revealing the complexities of their strained relationship.

In a dramatic conclusion, Miller finds himself at a banquet celebrating his business success, pondering whether his accomplishments are truly his own triumph or overshadowed by the strains of his personal life as he navigates the aftermath of his choices.