The ‘Bank of Dave’ has become the number 1 film on Netflix in a week of its release, but how much of what was portrayed really happen? How much is fact and how much is fiction? How much did Netflix exaggerate the story of Burnley’s best known ‘have-a-go hero’?

Dave Fishwick is a serial entrepreneur who had a crazy thought, why can’t I start a bank? He’d successfully loaned people money in the past to help the people of Burnley and decided that running his own bank would be a good way to achieve this.

After the 2008 financial crisis, public distrust in the banking system was at an all-time high as despite the mismanagement of lending, bankers were still raking in huge bonuses and Dave – like many others – took issue with this.

He went some way to achieving his goal and has contributed £30 million to his beloved Burnley but the Netflix portrayal of the story is altogether different as it takes a slightly more thrilling path that didn’t actually happen.

The first slight issue is that there’s no ‘Bank of Dave’. Instead there is Burnley Savings and Loans Limited which is categorically not a bank. It is an independent loans company as Dave (contrary to the film) did not secure a banking license.

Another considerable inaccuracy is the whole character and activities of Hugh (played by Joel Fry). The whole London lawyer bewildered by the North and then falling in love is a great addition to the plot, just not a particularly true one.

My favourite part of the film is the court scene where Hugh delivers an epic speech to convince the magistrates that Dave isn’t a loan shark and the FRB were out to get him. Despite how thrilling this part is, it didn’t happen either and no court case ever happened.

Without revealing the entire plot, the final excitement of the film is a concert at Turf Moor with the bank Def Leppard. As you may have guessed by now, this didn’t happen either but Dave is a massive Def Leppard fan.

I realise I’ve said pretty much all of the content of the film didn’t happen (which is true) but don’t let that put you off. It’s a genuinely interesting and funny watch with a brilliant cast (including the great Hugh Bonneville).

Even though it’s been heavily embellished, Netflix’s latest film is a great watch and I recommend you go and watch it.

Do comment your thoughts below.