WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn

20211h 44m Directed by Jed Rothstein
6.7
(64 votes)
Documentary

Overview

Explore the rise and fall of one of the biggest corporate flameouts and venture capitalist bubbles in recent years – the story of WeWork, and its hippie-messianic leader Adam Neumann.

WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn

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CAST

Adam Neumann
Adam Neumann
Self (archive footage)
Rebekah Paltrow Neumann
Self (archive footage)

The Rise and Fall of a Unicorn: Unpacking the WeWork Saga

WatchListHQSep 5, 2025
The documentary "WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn" is a fascinating and cautionary tale that delves into the tumultuous journey of WeWork, a company that once promised to revolutionize the way we work and live. The film takes a deep dive into the world of startup culture, venture capitalism, and the cult-like following of WeWork's enigmatic leader, Adam Neumann. Through a series of interviews with former employees, investors, and experts, the documentary paints a vivid picture of a company that was both visionary and reckless, often at the same time.

The film's greatest strength lies in its ability to balance the complexities of WeWork's story, presenting a nuanced and multifaceted portrait of a company that was both a symbol of innovation and a harbinger of disaster. The documentary raises important questions about the consequences of unchecked ambition, the dangers of groupthink, and the blurred lines between vision and delusion. Adam Neumann, the charismatic and messianic leader of WeWork, is a particularly fascinating figure, and the film does an excellent job of capturing his magnetic personality and his ability to inspire devotion in his followers. However, the documentary also doesn't shy away from critiquing Neumann's flaws, including his erratic behavior, his lack of accountability, and his tendency to prioritize his own interests over those of his employees and investors.

One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the cultural and societal factors that contributed to WeWork's rise and fall. The film touches on themes such as the fetishization of entrepreneurship, the cult of personality, and the ways in which social media can create and amplify false narratives. The documentary also raises important questions about the role of venture capitalism in perpetuating unsustainable business models and the consequences of prioritizing growth over profitability. Overall, "WeWork: or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn" is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that offers a timely and insightful look at the darker side of startup culture and the dangers of unchecked ambition. While it may not be a perfect film, it is a must-see for anyone interested in the world of business, technology, and entrepreneurship.

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