The Assistant

It's impressive how this movie is so low key and just shows what is likely a very ordinary day for the protagonist, yet still remains interesting and unnerving to watch. Entertaining might not be the best word to describe it, but neither is boring. It maintains a sense of quiet discomfort throughout, and the apathy of a toxic workplace and predatory behaviour of the higher-ups is explored extremely well with this stripped down, non-heightened approach.

I was glad I knew it was subdued and grounded before going in, as if I'd expected more, I may have spent all 80-something minutes of its runtime waiting for the "plot" to start happening.

Despite it being quiet and low key, it's also definitely not subtle. It's pretty clear what (or arguably even who) the movie is about, and I guess the very dry, quiet presentation with the strong and far from subdued intentions of the film did make for an odd but usually interesting contrast.

Also worth mentioning is that Julia Garner was great in the lead role, but the rest of the cast are mostly just decent.

I really enjoyed this film, it feels real and doesn't give in to sensationalism. If you're looking for thrills and spills then this isn't it.

Very accurate and realistic representation of a work day in a life of the newly assigned assistant to the boss, who's a creep and uses his status to fulfill his desires.

Do not expect anything graphic - everything is done very subtle and all the bad stuff happens behind the scenes.

Do not expect any action either - it is all just as low key and as mundane as it sounds like.

I recommend it, if knowing all that you're still up for it.

This was my life for 5 years in my 20s. Dreadful and boring; being treated like complete crap by anyone in positions of authority save a few people, being ignored, asked to smile more, dress more or less sexy, catcalled, and asked to do things that were morally wrong for myself. So I relate to this movie. Some may find it boring but if you've worked in a toxic environment whether your male or female you'll see similarities that aren't always picked up on. Brilliantly done.

I was an assistant at a major studio for a dysfunctional exec. I came from a Northwestern-like school, and I had the same aspirations as Julia Garner. I smoked on my rare breaks, I ate horribly, and I had almost no personal time...so i think this film nailed it. The PTSD is real.

It makes me wish everyone in the entertainment business could loosen up and have more fun. Because everyone does seem to take themselves so extremely seriously. It's a creative business filled with uncreative people, at least in the executive chairs.

Assistants go through hell but they're the life blood of the industry. Give them the respect they deserve.

The film itself was shot beautifully, and even though I wish it had given a POV that went beyond Garner's glum expressions, it did capture a great day in the life. Garner and MacFadyen were both outstanding.