Metaphors for cutthroat capitalism don't get much blunter than Traders, in which the me-first moneymakers in question aren't exchanging stocks and bonds but each others' lives. Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy, who've made shorts together for over 20 years, take a confident leap to features in this cold tale of economic desperation and unthinkable deeds made routine.
Facing a bleak job market Vernon (John Bradley), invents "trading," in which two participants connected anonymously online will meet to fight in a secluded spot with no spectators. Each will bring his life's savings in a duffel bag; they will fight to the death, with the winner taking both bags after burying the loser where he died.
Vernon's co-worker Harry (Killian Scott) takes some convincing, but eventually participates in the inaugural match of this bloodsport. He leaves Vernon alive after beating him but Vernon feels cheated - especially after Harry befriends the woman he hopelessly loves (Nika McGuigan) - and starts plotting to get "his" money back.
John DeFore
The Hollywood Reporter