Movie #1950 "The Assistant"(hulu) is a bit of a controversy, and I'm in the middle about my feelings toward the film. If you look at what the plot is (below) you can kind of tell that it won't be a searing plot full of twists and turns. That being said, you can't really tell just how glaringly abusive it is --- and I can answer that it is quite understated. The one "stated" time she takes to the HR guy, who treats her condescendingly (expected) and becomes part of the abuse at work, as well. Because it was so low key, and in documentary style (not a surprise if you look at the director's credits and up until this film, she has only done documentaries) it is painstakingly S-l-o-w. And too long (like most documentaries I see). This film definitely has an indie feel to it ---- one that I could have seen at a film festival and would come out of it saying, "Well, that was kind of good" but needed some work. But I suspect that others that see it, and work in an environment similar to the one shown here (and I feel this is becoming quite universal) will think differently. So those are the negatives -- but the film has great visuals, stark opening in lighting and the way the office is filmed, as she comes first person in and goes through routine of turning on lights and coffee machine, etc. She, Julia Garner, shows a very minimal character here, and along with the camera, we search for a look of dismay on her face --- a roll of the eyes --- and we get maybe a look away, or just a stare. Her toolbox is small, but sometime effective. (She is from "Ozark" and "The Americans"). I guess as a viewer watching a non-action story, I just wanted more. And I definitely wanted more information here --- just a tad more dialogue in the office with her boss (we never see him, so can we have a few more lines from him?). When she talks to the HR guy (the high point?) I definitely wanted more --- I know that the whole purpose of the discussion is to show she is shut down at every turn, but gosh..... just a little more. But after saying more, more, more, I wanted less time in this film. I feel, with a concise short film, this film could've been so much more effective. Why go on and on and on? We got it maybe in the first scene....... so elevate it even more when you go to the next examples, instead of replaying over and over again the same "abuse." (how many times do we have to see her washing dishes at the office? I'd give it a 3, and I don't recommend it ----- unless you want to see the effective opening. But know, to me, it doesn't get much better. But I would like to hear from people who have seen the whole thing and find out what they though (and I missed)? I do applaud it for taking a risk in the filming technique.
"THE ASSISTANT" 2019 1 hour 27 mins Rated R
A searing look at a day in the life of an assistant to a powerful executive. As Jane follows her daily routine, she grows increasingly aware of the insidious abuse that threatens every aspect of her position.
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