Netflix’s extensive library offers an endless selection of films, making it easy to miss some hidden gems. But among the ocean of options, there’s one movie you should not overlook: The Founder (2016), which tells the fascinating and often controversial story behind the rise of McDonald’s. Directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Michael Keaton, The Founder explores how a small, family-owned fast food restaurant transformed into the global empire we know today. If you’re looking for a compelling story about ambition, betrayal, and corporate greed, this movie deserves a spot at the top of your watchlist.
The Plot and Why It’s Worth Watching
The Founder chronicles the rise of McDonald’s from a single location in San Bernardino, California, to the massive fast-food empire we see today. The film focuses on Ray Kroc, played by Michael Keaton, a struggling milkshake machine salesman who ultimately transforms the McDonald brothers’ simple restaurant concept into a worldwide franchise.
Despite the movie’s title, Ray Kroc isn’t technically the founder of McDonald’s. The real founders were Richard and Maurice McDonald, portrayed by Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch, respectively. The film portrays Kroc as a man of vision, but also as someone willing to manipulate and betray his partners for the sake of success. Kroc’s actions raise the question of what defines a true “founder” and explores the fine line between ambition and exploitation.
Keaton delivers a performance that is both compelling and tragic. Throughout the film, he navigates the fine line between the film’s sympathetic portrayal of Kroc’s struggles and his eventual ruthlessness. The character’s moral ambiguity is one of the movie’s strengths, as Kroc is neither a purely villainous figure nor a straightforward hero. This complexity is what makes The Founder such an interesting character study, offering an intricate exploration of the American dream.
The Supporting Cast: Offerman and Lynch Shine
While Keaton takes center stage, the supporting cast is also worth noting. Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch deliver standout performances as the McDonald brothers, capturing the heart and ingenuity behind their fast-food empire. Their portrayal of the early days of McDonald’s is fascinating, particularly the flashbacks showing their innovative approach to creating a faster, more efficient way to serve food. The brothers’ story, while overshadowed by Kroc’s aggressive expansion, provides a poignant counterpoint to Kroc’s entrepreneurial ambition.
A Story of Betrayal and Corporate Power
One of the most powerful themes of The Founder is its exploration of the darker side of business. Kroc’s ability to recognize opportunity and turn it into success is undeniable, but his disregard for the McDonald brothers’ vision is equally evident. The film highlights how Kroc’s desire for control and success leads him to betray the very people who initially helped him. As the franchise grows, the McDonald brothers’ vision of a small, family-run business gets subsumed by the machine Kroc builds, making it a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.
Nostalgia and the McDonald’s Legacy
What sets The Founder apart from other biopics is its ability to tap into the nostalgia we all have for McDonald’s. The film doesn’t just tell a story of corporate manipulation but also offers a look back at the origins of an iconic brand. The scene where Kroc first experiences the simplicity and efficiency of the original McDonald’s restaurant is memorable, encapsulating the transformative power of a simple idea.
While the movie is not without its dramatic liberties, it succeeds in capturing the spirit of what McDonald’s represented in its early days. Even as the company became a corporate behemoth, Kroc’s recognition of the emotional connection people had with the brand is poignant.
Final Thoughts
The Founder is a must-watch for anyone interested in the origins of McDonald’s and the complexities of corporate power. Michael Keaton’s exceptional performance, the engaging portrayal of the McDonald brothers, and the exploration of ambition and betrayal make this film a compelling watch. Whether you’re a fan of biopics or simply curious about how McDonald’s became the fast-food giant it is today, The Founder offers a fascinating, thought-provoking look at one of the most iconic brands in the world.
Stream The Founder on Netflix today, and rediscover a story of entrepreneurship that’s as entertaining as it is eye-opening.