The Assistant (2019)

In The Assistant, released in 2019, we are drawn into the suffocating world of Jane, a young woman navigating the demanding and often toxic environment of a powerful executive's office. As the film unfolds over the course of a single day, we witness Jane’s meticulous efforts to maintain her composure while managing the relentless demands of her boss and the pervasive atmosphere of intimidation and abuse that saturates the workplace. Director Kitty Green crafts a tense and intimate portrait of Jane's struggles, inviting the audience to share in her growing awareness of the systemic issues that plague her profession, particularly the subtle yet pervasive nature of harassment and power dynamics.

The film excels in its ability to highlight themes of complicity and the often-invisible toll of workplace culture on individuals, particularly women. Julia Garner delivers a compelling performance as Jane, embodying a mix of ambition, vulnerability, and quiet resilience that resonates deeply. As she navigates the minefield of office politics, the film poses critical questions about morality and the sacrifices made for success. The Assistant serves not only as a poignant character study but also as a broader commentary on the insidious nature of power and the responsibilities that come with it, making it a thought-provoking watch for anyone interested in the complexities of modern work life and the often-unseen struggles that accompany it.