The Assistant movie review

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 27 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

Written and directed by Kitty Green, this realistic drama features Julia Garner as a shy assistant who slowly learns she is a powerless ant in a corporation that protects its powerful executives.

It opened in theaters in January 2020, shortly before the worldwide pandemic that shut theaters for months. It’s timed perfectly to make subtle references to the scandal involving the despicable Harvey Weinstein, although it doesn’t mention him exactly.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

A little bit of profanity. You hear some F-bombs being yelled through a phone.
Kids will be extremely bored and never want to work in an office. Many adults will be bored too.
There is an illusion of multiple affairs, but you never see anything.

THEMES:

Toxic work environments
Workplace abuse
Invisible people in the workplace
Career aspirations
flattery
Power and powerlessness

THINGS I LIKED:

Julia Garner gives a fantastic and believable performance as an office assistant. You can really read her face and feel her frustration.
If you enjoy subtly, you will love this understated film about workplace oppression.
The grey tones and color palette really make you feel the drudgery of her work and situation.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The trailer makes it appear as if the movie is a thriller. It is absolutely not.
The film could have definitely done a deeper dive to make the viewing worthwhile.
Don’t watch this movie if you’re tired, because you WILL fall asleep.
The film was shot in 18 days. That’s not hard to believe considering that most of the scenes take place in an office and nothing really happens. That’s the biggest complaint by movie-goers, yet it’s also the point of the movie.
Movie critics are loving the movie and appreciate the artistry involved in the storytelling; however, everyone else is much less enthusiastic. It’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea.

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