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"Equity"

U.S. Dramatic Competition

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Tough women do double-deals on Wall Street in "Equity," a polished nail-biter with a strong moral undercurrent. Investment banker Naomi Bishop (played by "Breaking Bad" star Anna Gunn) is eager to take over her boss's job, but first she must shepherd a high-risk tech IPO. Along the way, Naomi must contend with her ambitious assistant Erin (Sarah Megan Thomas), her sneaky stock-trader boyfriend (James Purefoy), and a U.S. Attorney, Samantha (Alysia Reiner), who's investigating her firm for insider trading. Screenwriter Amy Fox — who shares story credit with Thomas and Reiner, who spearheaded the film as its producers — creates a riveting yarn, as Naomi tries to stay a step ahead of everyone in her way. Director Meera Menon sets an exciting pace, while creating a sleek look that's definitely not business-casual. The movie's underlying message, that women on Wall Street can back-stab as expertly as the guys, is adroitly carried by Gunn's fierce performance.

— Sean P. Means

"Equity" screens again at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m., The MARC, Park City; Thursday, 9 p.m., Broadway Centre Cinemas, Salt Lake City; Friday, 3:30 p.m., Eccles Theatre, Park City; Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Egyptian Theatre, Park City.