High Flying Bird 2019
Directed by
Steven Soderbergh
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
As the sports agency teeters on the edge of financial ruin due to a crippling lockout, Ray Burke finds himself grappling with a profound existential crisis. His boss, David Starr, delivers a jarring wake-up call: the company’s credit cards are rendered useless, clients are abandoning ship, and Ray risks losing his job along with his colleagues. With Erick Scott’s future in a precarious state, Ray must devise a strategy to rescue the agency and rejuvenate his client’s prospects.
The following day, Ray visits Jamero Umber’s mother, Emera Umber, hoping to make a deal that is swiftly turned down. Unfazed, he seeks help from his former assistant, Sam, to navigate the complex world of sports agency politics. As he searches for a path forward, Ray’s ex-wife, Myra, offers a sobering perspective. She points out that the lockout necessitates a renegotiation between agents and players, but that won’t take place until the discord between team owners and television networks is resolved—a process likely to take over a month.
Amid rising tensions, Erick Scott and Jamero Umber become embroiled in a highly publicized Twitter feud. The media frenzy ignited by their quarrel only escalates the friction. Seizing a moment to mitigate the chaos, Ray attends Back Court Day, an annual community gathering featuring a youth basketball camp and appearances by star athletes.
At the event, Erick Scott is busy signing autographs and engaging with fans when Jamero arrives with his mother. The two confront each other about their social media spat, culminating in a tense standoff that leads to a one-on-one basketball showdown. The enthusiastic kids present record the drama, and the footage rapidly spreads across social media, amassing an astonishing 24 million views.
Buoyed by this viral moment, Ray hatches a plan to stream games online via platforms like Snapchat, YouTube, and Netflix, aiming to provide players like Erick an avenue to earn income during the lockout, reducing their financial burdens. While Erick initially hesitates, he ultimately recognizes the potential of Ray’s innovative strategy and agrees to get involved.
The next day, Sam meets with Ray to assess their professional trajectories. During their discussion, she confides in him that Erick might be considering letting him go in search of other opportunities within the company. However, unbeknownst to them, this rumor serves as a mere disguise for something far more intricate. In truth, Erick’s intention to dismiss Ray is part of a grander scheme designed to redirect focus from the pivotal issue—the players themselves.
Ray’s ambitious plot centers on convincing these athletes to contract with his own pay-per-view and streaming platforms. As fate would have it, Erick’s actions inadvertently support Ray’s goal, keeping the players tethered to the agency—a critical factor enabling them to resume their careers once the lockout comes to a close.
In a pivotal moment, Ray reveals his true intentions to David Starr, explaining how the entire charade was orchestrated to expedite the end of the lockout. This audacious move not only realizes its aim but also appears to secure Ray’s future at the agency, allowing him to eclipse Starr’s position.
When the smoke clears from this power struggle, Sam begins her journey into a new professional realm, taking a role with the Players’ Association. In an unexpected twist, she and Erick develop a romantic relationship amidst these transitions. Among these changes, Sam opens a mysterious book that Ray had previously entrusted to Erick—a book affectionately dubbed “The Bible.” While Erick enjoys a morning shower, Sam immerses herself in the profound words of Harry Edwards’s essential work, The Revolt of the Black Athlete.
Meanwhile, Ray stealthily enters a meeting with Edwards himself. Emerging from the shower, Erick glances at Sam, posing a question about the package. Her answer is simple yet significant: “You need to read this.”
Timeline
Agency in Crisis
Ray Burke faces an existential crisis as his sports agency teeters on the brink of financial ruin. His boss, David Starr, informs him that the company's credit cards are useless, leading to clients leaving and job insecurity for Ray and his colleagues.
Seeking Solutions
Determined to rescue the agency, Ray visits Jamero Umber's mother, Emera, to negotiate a deal, but his efforts are swiftly rebuffed. A sense of urgency looms as Ray realizes he needs a solid plan to salvage his client Erick Scott's future.
Advice from an Ex
Ray's ex-wife, Myra, sheds light on the critical situation, explaining that a lockout requires renegotiation between agents and players. However, she warns him that any reconciliation is contingent on resolving the issues between team owners and television networks, which could last over a month.
Twitter Feud Erupts
Tensions rise as Erick Scott and Jamero Umber engage in a very public Twitter feud, stirring media frenzy and increasing friction within the agency. This online spat escalates, drawing significant attention and complicating matters for Ray.
Back Court Day Event
Ray takes proactive measures by attending Back Court Day, a community gathering showcasing a youth basketball camp and featuring star athletes. He hopes to quell the ongoing tensions and find a way to stabilize the situation amidst the chaos.
Confrontation at the Event
During Back Court Day, the rivalry between Erick and Jamero comes to a head as they confront one another over their online feud. Their clash results in a one-on-one basketball game, which captivates the attending children and is captured, later going viral with over 24 million views.
Innovative Streaming Strategy
Inspired by the viral video, Ray devises an ambitious plan to stream games online via platforms like Snapchat, YouTube, and Netflix. This strategy aims to provide players like Erick a source of income during the lockout, alleviating their financial strains.
Rumors and Reality
Sam meets with Ray, expressing concerns over Erick's intentions regarding Ray's future at the agency. She reveals that Erick might be looking for alternative opportunities, but they miss the underlying scheme orchestrated by Erick to distract from the core issue.
The Grand Scheme
Ray's plan materializes as he convinces athletes to sign contracts with his own pay-per-view and streaming platforms. Erick's moves ultimately aid Ray in achieving his goals, importantly restraining the players to the agency until the lockout concludes.
Power Struggle Unfolds
Ray reveals his strategic motives to David Starr, explaining how the entire situation was crafted to hasten the end of the lockout. This revelation not only helps resolve the lockout but also positions Ray favorably within the agency hierarchy.
New Beginnings
As tensions ease, Sam transitions into a role with the Players’ Association, marking a new chapter in her career. Unexpectedly, she and Erick begin to develop a romantic relationship, showcasing the personal dynamics amid the professional chaos.
The Bible Unveiled
Sam discovers a profound book, dubbed 'The Bible', that Ray had previously entrusted to Erick. As she explores its insights, she contemplates its relevance to their current dilemmas, setting a reflective tone for the future.
Secret Meetings
While Sam dives into the book's wisdom, Ray secretly meets with Harry Edwards, the author, aiming to glean insights that can influence their agency's direction amidst the lockout chaos. Their discussion hints at broader implications for the athletes' futures.
Reflections on Change
As Ray continues to maneuver through the aftermath of the power struggle, he reflects on the changes within the agency and his own career trajectory. The interwoven personal and professional arcs lead to a transformative period for all involved.
A New Chapter
With the lockout resolved and new relationships forming, both professionally and personally, the characters embark on a new chapter. The story concludes with a sense of hope for the future, reflecting on the lessons learned during a chaotic yet pivotal time.
Characters
Ray Burke
Ray is a resourceful agent at a sports agency facing financial crisis. His determination and strategic mindset enable him to navigate complex political landscapes while aiming to secure his clients' futures. Ray demonstrates resilience and adaptability, illustrating the pressures of the sports management world.
Sam
Sam is an insightful former assistant who aids Ray in tackling the challenges of their tumultuous industry. Her perspective adds depth to the narrative, especially as she transitions into a new role in the Players’ Association. Her character embodies growth and newfound independence.
Erick Scott
Erick is a talented athlete facing uncertain prospects amid the lockout. While he initially struggles with his connection to the agency, he ultimately demonstrates growth by recognizing the value of collaboration and aligning with Ray's vision. His character represents the players' plight in a complex system.
Setting
Time period
Contemporary, during a sports lockout
Set in the present day, the movie reflects the tensions and challenges faced during a sports lockout, a situation where players and team owners are at odds over contractual disputes. This time is marked by financial anxiety among players and agents, alongside the evolution of how sports can be consumed in the digital age.
Location
Community Gathering, Sports Agency
The movie primarily unfolds in a vibrant community gathering that highlights youth engagement through basketball, featuring a blend of athletic talent and fan interaction. In contrast, the sports agency setting represents the high-stakes environment of athlete management, where personal and professional relationships are constantly tested amidst financial turmoil.
Themes
💼
Ambition
Ambition drives the protagonist, Ray, to navigate a collapsing sports agency while devising innovative strategies to support players. This theme encapsulates the lengths one goes to in securing a future against overwhelming odds, highlighting the dynamics of power and survival within the sports industry.
💔
Relationships
The film explores various relationships, from Ray's intricate dynamics with his colleagues to the budding romance between Sam and Erick. These connections underscore the emotional journeys of individuals striving to find stability and support amidst chaos.
📈
Innovation
Ray's plan to stream games online epitomizes innovation in response to challenges. This theme signifies the importance of adaptability and creativity in business, especially within the evolving landscape of sports consumption and athlete representation.
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