Jesse Armstrong's Mountainhead: A Satirical Take On Tech Moguls

Jesse Armstrong, the creator of Succession, returns with Mountainhead, a dark satire that delves into the world of tech billionaires. Starring Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef, the film premiered on HBO and Max on May 31, 2025.

Plot Overview

Set in a secluded mountain mansion, the story follows four ultra-wealthy tech moguls:

Venis Parish (Cory Michael Smith): A social media tycoon whose AI-driven platform, Traam, has incited global chaos through disinformation.
Jeff Abredazi (Ramy Youssef): An ethically-minded developer of Bilter, an AI capable of distinguishing truth from fiction.
Randall Garrett (Steve Carell): A terminally ill investor seeking to upload his consciousness to achieve digital immortality.
Hugo “Souper” Van Yalk (Jason Schwartzman): The host of the retreat, feeling inferior due to his comparatively lesser wealth.

Performances & Direction

Armstrong’s direction brings a blend of dark humor and sharp critique. The cast delivers compelling performances:

Steve Carell: Portrays Randall with a mix of desperation and arrogance, embodying the fear of obsolescence.
Jason Schwartzman: As Souper, he adds a layer of comedic relief while highlighting the insecurities of the less successful elite.
Cory Michael Smith: His portrayal of Venis captures the cold ambition of a tech magnate.
Ramy Youssef: Brings depth to Jeff, the moral compass amidst the chaos.

Armstrong’s script, written and produced in under six months, maintains a tight narrative that critiques the unchecked power of tech billionaires.

Critical Reception

The film has elicited mixed reactions:

Positive: Praised for its timely satire and performances, with some critics noting its effective skewering of tech elites.
Negative: Criticized for overused tropes and a lack of fresh insight into the tech world. “Jesse Armstrong’s rushed Succession follow-up might be heavy on of-the-moment buzzwords, but it’s too smug to make any real point” —Adrian Horton