The Assistant

Main Plot

"The Assistant" is a film directed by Kitty Green that provides a day-in-the-life portrayal of Jane, a recent college graduate who has landed a job as a junior assistant to a powerful entertainment mogul in New York City. Throughout her day, Jane becomes increasingly aware of the insidious abuses that color her work environment. The narrative unfolds over a single day, capturing the mundane tasks Jane performs—from making coffee to arranging travel accommodations for her boss. As the day progresses, subtle yet troubling signs of exploitation and misconduct emerge, particularly towards the women in the office. Jane's growing discomfort compels her to take action, leading her to a decisive meeting with a human resources officer that underscores the systemic issues prevalent within the industry. The film is a quiet yet powerful examination of workplace dynamics and the complicity and silence often found in toxic work environments. Through its nuanced storytelling, "The Assistant" sheds light on the challenges faced by those who decide to speak out against misconduct.

Characters

• Julia Garner plays Jane, a junior assistant to a powerful entertainment mogul, depicting the daily indignities and workplace abuses she endures in a toxic office environment.
• Owen Holland is a manipulative executive who exploits his assistant, Jane, highlighting workplace abuse and power dynamics.
• Jon Orsini plays the character of Male Assistant, who works alongside Jane and shares the burden of their demanding boss's oppressive environment.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of "The Assistant," directed by Kitty Green, the narrative zeroes in on the protagonist, Jane, a junior assistant to a powerful entertainment mogul, as she grapples with the moral complexities of her job. Throughout the day, Jane becomes increasingly aware of the abusive behavior her boss exhibits, particularly towards young women. Her growing discomfort culminates when she decides to take action by reporting what she suspects to be an abusive situation to the company's HR department. The meeting with the HR officer, Wilcock, is disheartening for Jane. Wilcock dismisses her concerns, subtly warns her about the risks of making allegations against her boss, and questions her motives. He suggests that her future in the industry could be jeopardized by her accusations. Feeling isolated and powerless, Jane leaves the meeting realizing that the system is designed to protect the abuser rather than the victims. The film ends with Jane returning to her desk, resuming her work in a somber mood, reflecting the bleak reality of her situation. She sends an apologetic email to her boss, as instructed by Wilcock, indicating her compliance and the suppression of her concerns. This conclusion underscores the systemic abuse and the complicity within the industry, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals like Jane who stand against it.