Robertson is introduced not as an executive, but as a target. The firm has already decided to let her go in the first round of layoffs that triggers the film’s plot. Her firing is described by the HR head (played by Mary McDonnell) as a move to "lighten the ship."

The scene between Sarah and John Tuld in the executive dining room is one of the film’s most chilling moments. Tuld doesn't fire her because she failed; he fires her because the narrative requires a head to roll. He offers her a massive severance package—$176 million—to go quietly. It is a transactional exit that underscores a recurring theme in the movie: in this world, everything, including your professional soul, has a price. Gender Dynamics and Isolation

An investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) found that Commonwealth Bank had not breached its obligations in relation to the margin call. However, the bank did face criticism for its handling of the situation, particularly with regard to its communication with Robertson.