In today's corporate jungle, office politics is as ubiquitous as the morning coffee run. Yet, surprisingly, this topic often takes a backseat in cinema. Perhaps it's because the film industry itself is no stranger to corporate power plays. Ironically, some of the best portrayals of workplace drama come from the very systems they critique. As we dive into this list of eye-opening films and series, remember: we're all part of this system, benefiting from it and falling victim to it in equal measure.
Must-Watch Films and Web Series on Office Politics
After Hours (IMDb Rating: 7.6/10) Amazon Prime Video
Martin Scorsese's After Hours isn't just a wild ride through New York City's nightlife. It's a metaphor for the modern office worker's struggle. As film critic Michael Rabiger points out, our protagonist is like a rat in a maze, desperately trying to escape. The stark contrast between the surreal nocturnal adventure and the mundane office life begs the question: Is the city truly this bizarre, or does it only appear so to our overworked hero?
Jal Tu Jalaal Tu (IMDb Rating: 8.2/10)
Prateek Vats' short film Jal Tu Jalaal Tu takes us to a Delhi textile factory, where worker subservience is the unspoken rule. When a spontaneous bout of laughter erupts on the factory floor, it triggers a chain of events that forces us to confront our understanding of workplace hierarchy. This powerful piece challenges our internalised acceptance of worker exploitation and dehumanisation.
Pirates of Silicon Valley (IMDb Rating: 7.2/10) Amazon Prime Video
While numerous films have chronicled the lives of tech billionaires, Pirates of Silicon Valley stands out for its unflinching portrayal of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Unlike the sanitised versions we often see, this film doesn't shy away from depicting employee exploitation at early Apple, masterminded by Jobs himself. It's a stark reminder that even our most revered business icons have skeletons in their closets.
The Assistant (IMDb Rating: 6.4/10) Amazon Prime Video
Few films capture the suffocating atmosphere of a toxic work environment as effectively as The Assistant. This movie portrays the workplace as a cage, where each day is a battle against prejudice and silent complicity. It's a haunting look at how power structures can force employees to become unwilling participants in their exploitation.
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (IMDb Rating: 7.5/10) Amazon Prime Video
In a country where corporate exploitation often leads to mental health crises, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year stands out for its honest portrayal of the urban middle-class struggle. This film shows how large companies can strip away an individual's identity, reducing them to a cog in the machine. It's not just about present exploitation; it's about the theft of future potential.
It's striking how few films tackle the pervasive issue of workplace politics and exploitation, especially in countries where such problems are rampant. This list, while diverse, barely scratches the surface of a topic that affects millions worldwide. The irony isn't lost on us that some of these critiques come from the very systems they denounce – like Severance being an Apple TV show while Pirates of Silicon Valley exposes Apple's dark history.
As we consume these stories, it's crucial to remember that they're not just entertainment. They're reflections of real-world issues that deserve our attention and action.
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