FridayOL

“Industry,” the hit HBO series set in the high-stakes world of London finance, has captivated audiences with its sharp writing, complex characters, and unflinching portrayal of ambition. But the third season of “Industry” isn’t just expanding the show’s scope – it’s witnessing a remarkable evolution in the character of Yasmin Kara-Hanani, brilliantly portrayed by Marisa Abela. Abela’s performance is the driving force behind Yasmin's increasingly compelling and, at times, unsettling journey, transforming a seemingly privileged young woman into a force to be reckoned with, earning her comparisons to the iconic Tony Soprano in a new generation of female protagonists.

Initially presented as a bright, albeit somewhat naive, graduate from Oxford, Yasmin's early struggles within Pierpoint & Co. were relatable. The pressures of the cutthroat financial world, combined with personal anxieties and a complicated family history, formed the foundation of her character. However, the third season sees Yasmin undergoing a significant metamorphosis. Driven by a combination of ambition, a desire for control, and a simmering resentment towards the systems that have both empowered and constrained her, she begins to operate with a ruthless efficiency and strategic cunning that is both impressive and alarming.

What makes Abela’s portrayal so captivating is her ability to portray this transformation subtly. It’s not a sudden shift into villainy, but a gradual hardening, a shedding of innocence as Yasmin learns to navigate the treacherous landscape of high finance. We see her making increasingly difficult choices, blurring ethical lines, and manipulating situations to her advantage. The vulnerability that initially defined her character is still present, but it's now layered beneath a veneer of steely determination. This nuanced performance is what allows viewers to simultaneously root for and fear Yasmin.

The comparisons to Tony Soprano are apt. Like the infamous mob boss, Yasmin possesses a sharp intellect, a keen understanding of human nature, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. She’s a product of her environment, shaped by the pressures and expectations placed upon her. While Yasmin’s arena is the trading floor rather than the criminal underworld, the underlying themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal remain strikingly similar. The show skillfully explores the psychological toll of operating in such a demanding and morally ambiguous world, and Abela’s performance is a masterclass in conveying this inner turmoil.

Beyond Abela’s performance, the writing in the third season has also contributed to Yasmin’s evolution. The show delves deeper into her family dynamics, revealing the complexities of her relationship with her mother and the pressures she faces to succeed. These storylines add depth and nuance to her character, making her motivations more understandable, even when her actions are questionable. “Industry” isn't just about the world of finance; it’s about the human cost of ambition and the compromises we make in pursuit of power. And Marisa Abela, as Yasmin Kara-Hanani, is at the very heart of this compelling narrative. The question now is: how far will she go?