Betting on Zero
A billion-dollar short bet becomes the engine of a pointed investigation into Herbalife's alleged pyramid-scheme practices and the human cost of multi-level marketing.
Overview
A billionaire bets it all to expose a massive fraud lurking in plain sight.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- serious
- confrontational
- matter of fact
- investigative documentary night
- finance discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly find the documentary a convincing, sometimes emotional, and shocking investigation, while noting its strong alignment with Bill Ackman's position.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bill Ackman commits a billion dollars to challenging Herbalife while the film follows the consequences of that campaign.
Its focus on Herbalife distributors and recruiting practices emphasizes losses among people drawn into multi-level marketing.
Ackman's position drives the investigation, and critical reception specifically notes that the film evangelizes his argument.
The film uses a straightforward documentary approach to build its case around Herbalife, finance, and testimony.
Films like Betting on Zero, and why
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
investigative documentary filmmaking about corporate misconduct, financial power, and public accountability
The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley
corporate scandal documentary combining accessible exposition with systemic economic critique
Inside Job
confrontational documentary portrait of wealth, influence, and contested public narratives
Movie Details
- Director
- Ted Braun
- Release Date
- 2016-03-17
- Runtime
- 104 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (128)
Cast
- Bill Ackman
- Ted Braun
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Betting on Zero about?
- A billion-dollar short bet becomes the engine of a pointed investigation into Herbalife's alleged pyramid-scheme practices and the human cost of multi-level marketing.
- What is Betting on Zero like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Betting on Zero as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Betting on Zero violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Betting on Zero.
- What did critics think of Betting on Zero?
- Critics broadly find the documentary a convincing, sometimes emotional, and shocking investigation, while noting its strong alignment with Bill Ackman's position.
- Which films are like Betting on Zero?
- Films with a similar feel include Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, and Inside Job.
- How long is Betting on Zero?
- Betting on Zero runs 104 minutes.
- Where can I watch Betting on Zero?
- In United States, Betting on Zero is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
