I've seen so many of these types of movies. Cube (also has 2 sequels) was one of the earlier good ones (where random people are stuck in various adjoining rooms with "puzzles to solve"). A more recent one that is better than Employer is Exam (2009) - rated 6.8 and with many great twists. Other similar movies involving people killing each other off in a "room" include: Devil 6.3 (2010) - people stuck in an elevator, The Killing Room 5.7(2009) - people in an scientific experiment, Unknown 6.5 (2006) - people stuck in a warehouse, Fermat's Room 6.6 (2007 - foreign language) - 4 mathematicians in a rm, The Method 7.3 (2005 - foreign language) - interview process Overall Cube (the first one) wins with 7.4 rating and oddly enough being the oldest (1997). Enjoy these movies if you like the genre.
27 Reviews
I really wanted to like this, but...
GTeixeira13 May 2014
Another story about a group of strangers locked together in an enclosed space, hoping for a way out. In here, these five are job applicants; in the last step to join a powerful corporation, only one can leave the room with the job... and their life.
I really like this kind of film; it is always such a psychologically heavy concept, often accompanied by interesting twists and thought- provoking mindgames...
Unfortunately, 'The Employer' fails in that aspect.
The movie is too short and moves too fast to create the necessary tension in the room scenes, and the characters/actors are so bad they are unable to create any interest in the viewer. And it is far from just the actors' faults (though they have their share on it): the characters are horribly conceived and developed, their actions not making sense and being overly ruthless/psychopathic to the point of being unbelievable/almost cartoonish.
This makes the twists almost pointless and their impact almost nonexistent. The psychological aspect the film needed ends forgotten and ignored.
Malcolm McDowell is the only one to do a good job, and his character is quite fun to watch (though equally bad). A sharp contrast to the otherwise terribleness.
In the end, this film is far too moronic and badly made. It can't even pass as a idiotic, semi-gory thriller, as the anti-capitalistic stance the film seems to defend (considering the way they portray the big corporations) show they tried to make this have some kind of half-assed message. In other words, they actually believed this could be good.
I give it a 4 just because I love this concept, which made me try to like it, but in the end it could very well receive a lower rating. Much better choices would be 'Exam', 'La habitación de Fermat', and even the 'Cube' franchise.
I really like this kind of film; it is always such a psychologically heavy concept, often accompanied by interesting twists and thought- provoking mindgames...
Unfortunately, 'The Employer' fails in that aspect.
The movie is too short and moves too fast to create the necessary tension in the room scenes, and the characters/actors are so bad they are unable to create any interest in the viewer. And it is far from just the actors' faults (though they have their share on it): the characters are horribly conceived and developed, their actions not making sense and being overly ruthless/psychopathic to the point of being unbelievable/almost cartoonish.
This makes the twists almost pointless and their impact almost nonexistent. The psychological aspect the film needed ends forgotten and ignored.
Malcolm McDowell is the only one to do a good job, and his character is quite fun to watch (though equally bad). A sharp contrast to the otherwise terribleness.
In the end, this film is far too moronic and badly made. It can't even pass as a idiotic, semi-gory thriller, as the anti-capitalistic stance the film seems to defend (considering the way they portray the big corporations) show they tried to make this have some kind of half-assed message. In other words, they actually believed this could be good.
I give it a 4 just because I love this concept, which made me try to like it, but in the end it could very well receive a lower rating. Much better choices would be 'Exam', 'La habitación de Fermat', and even the 'Cube' franchise.
"I've just never been much of a test taker"
hwg1957-102-2657046 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Five people wake up in the same room. It's the last stage of a job interview and whoever kills the others ends up with the job. It's a rather silly premise and a rather dull film. It could have been better with more convincing acting but the performers here are lightweight. Except of course for Malcolm McDowell as the employer, who is watchable as ever. Throughout the film I kept thinking, where is Billy Zane? He appears right at the end and gets promptly shot. It's not even a cameo length appearance sadly.
The employer interviews the five candidates prior to their ordeal but it looks like Mr. McDowell filmed his role separately and had no contact with the other actors except with one right at the end. The movie had potential but hardly realised it.
The employer interviews the five candidates prior to their ordeal but it looks like Mr. McDowell filmed his role separately and had no contact with the other actors except with one right at the end. The movie had potential but hardly realised it.
You've seen it a million times
p_imdb-238-92638030 June 2013
Well that was boring, halfway through I began fast forwarding through the rest.
The premise of people trapped in a room, is old. People trapped in a room for a job, has already been done too (can't remember the name of the movie though).
The production value is inexistent. My HDCam makes better pictures than what I've seen here. Acting is bad, lighting is awful, score is generic, nothing in this movie is new.
McDowell played 6 minutes in this movie, he probably just needed a morning to get the filming done. Well, lately he showed up in Z-Grade movies anyway. Seeing him casted is a strong indicator for a poor movie.
Please excuse my low quality review, but I just did it to balance the 10/10 fake reviews written by the PR guys.
The premise of people trapped in a room, is old. People trapped in a room for a job, has already been done too (can't remember the name of the movie though).
The production value is inexistent. My HDCam makes better pictures than what I've seen here. Acting is bad, lighting is awful, score is generic, nothing in this movie is new.
McDowell played 6 minutes in this movie, he probably just needed a morning to get the filming done. Well, lately he showed up in Z-Grade movies anyway. Seeing him casted is a strong indicator for a poor movie.
Please excuse my low quality review, but I just did it to balance the 10/10 fake reviews written by the PR guys.
Terrible
lostlimit8712 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This was truly a disappointing movie. When I read the description, I thought it would be something similar to that one movie about the test, where candidates compete with each other for a job position. I was expecting lots of twists and mind games that would keep me guessing who the winner will be. There was none of that. A weak plot with no explanation in the end. Characters also do not make sense. A strong muscular guy who gets choked to death with a tie who just got his head bashed in? He could have easily overpowered the strangler. Or how about a skinny girl who can easily disarm the muscle giant and pin him to the ground but cannot take on 2 defenseless person her size?
Save your time and money for a better, deserving movie because there was nothing thrilling about this thriller.
Save your time and money for a better, deserving movie because there was nothing thrilling about this thriller.
Not the movie I would recommend
s-agafonov917 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I was tempted to watch this movie by nice and neat title and poster. And oh, God, this was terrible mistake.
The plot is boring and predictable, because idea of kill-others-to-survive in this movie seen thousands and thousands times. The movie gives you almost nothing about the company, neither about the employer itself - what they're doing or why etc. So no strong background for the plot. And this is why this movie seems not as serious as others in this kill-to-survive category. Most of the flashbacks were not interesting, boring and almost unnecessary as they don't really untangle characters as much as you would want.
I don't know if this supposed to be gore or psychological movie, but it really lacks both of those elements. You can't feel the intensity, suspense in this movie (like in Would You Rather, which I really liked). At all. Action in kidnap flashbacks is all the same. Well, IMHO, it could be more original than just grab-and-go.
Half of the actors seems like they're don't know what they're doing here. I've seen hundreds of thriller movies, in which you can really feel what characters feel etc. Hell, even in Yotube short-movies you can see better acting.
So I guess it is a one night stand movie with bad hangover. Not bad, but it could be far more intensive as it supposed to be thriller, right?
The plot is boring and predictable, because idea of kill-others-to-survive in this movie seen thousands and thousands times. The movie gives you almost nothing about the company, neither about the employer itself - what they're doing or why etc. So no strong background for the plot. And this is why this movie seems not as serious as others in this kill-to-survive category. Most of the flashbacks were not interesting, boring and almost unnecessary as they don't really untangle characters as much as you would want.
I don't know if this supposed to be gore or psychological movie, but it really lacks both of those elements. You can't feel the intensity, suspense in this movie (like in Would You Rather, which I really liked). At all. Action in kidnap flashbacks is all the same. Well, IMHO, it could be more original than just grab-and-go.
Half of the actors seems like they're don't know what they're doing here. I've seen hundreds of thriller movies, in which you can really feel what characters feel etc. Hell, even in Yotube short-movies you can see better acting.
So I guess it is a one night stand movie with bad hangover. Not bad, but it could be far more intensive as it supposed to be thriller, right?
Dumb Movie with Bad Acting
bptr-123 July 2013
Why does Malcolm McDowell keep doing these bad movies playing a cheesy cliché villain? He has acting chops and could do so much better. Most of the other actors are mediocre at best.
This movie is like a bad play with five actors stuck in one scene. This has been done so many times before and it has been proved to require outstanding talent to pull it off. The premise of this movie is just ridiculous. Even the special gore effects look really fake like a joke horror film. All I enjoyed in this movie was the good looks and body of Katerina Mikailenko.
This movie is the epitome of the idiotic Republican thinking (ruthless amoral selfish philosophy, and corporate scamming masquerading as "Capitalism") which has ruined this country. I just hope that its message was ridiculing and not extolling.
This movie is like a bad play with five actors stuck in one scene. This has been done so many times before and it has been proved to require outstanding talent to pull it off. The premise of this movie is just ridiculous. Even the special gore effects look really fake like a joke horror film. All I enjoyed in this movie was the good looks and body of Katerina Mikailenko.
This movie is the epitome of the idiotic Republican thinking (ruthless amoral selfish philosophy, and corporate scamming masquerading as "Capitalism") which has ruined this country. I just hope that its message was ridiculing and not extolling.
Lets keep it short : plain crap movie !
peterp-450-2987166 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Can someone explain to me where the thriller part was? At least I have found the fast-forward button on the remote control.
Put 5 people in a closed room with the following task : who leaves that room alive gets a decent job offer. And after that you can see how creative a person can be with a belt, a stiletto heel or a piece of a mobile phone.
This was an incredible empty and dismal movie. The acting was so tragically bad you could start crying. Even the crying part of Willig was so pitiful. The rest of the candidates were third-rate actors to me. Very bad performances. Worst of all, the fact that McDowell joined this made me speechless. From "A Clockwork Orange" to this monstrosity ... how low can you fall. Probably a new trend in movie land: put a known actor on the DVD box so that there is a minority who'll do the effort to watch it. I also fell for this marketing trick.
Something I have learned from this film: I'll be very suspicious when I'm applying for another job. I give this one a 1/10 just for myself because I did the effort to push the "Play" button !
More reviews at http://opinion-as-a-moviefreak.blogspot.be/
Put 5 people in a closed room with the following task : who leaves that room alive gets a decent job offer. And after that you can see how creative a person can be with a belt, a stiletto heel or a piece of a mobile phone.
This was an incredible empty and dismal movie. The acting was so tragically bad you could start crying. Even the crying part of Willig was so pitiful. The rest of the candidates were third-rate actors to me. Very bad performances. Worst of all, the fact that McDowell joined this made me speechless. From "A Clockwork Orange" to this monstrosity ... how low can you fall. Probably a new trend in movie land: put a known actor on the DVD box so that there is a minority who'll do the effort to watch it. I also fell for this marketing trick.
Something I have learned from this film: I'll be very suspicious when I'm applying for another job. I give this one a 1/10 just for myself because I did the effort to push the "Play" button !
More reviews at http://opinion-as-a-moviefreak.blogspot.be/
Enjoyable little GEM
co677915 March 2020
Very twisted neat little spin on things.
Wife & I enjoyed this, start to finish had us wondering.
I will not spoil it, yes there are better movies but many many worse, worth a watch in our opinion.
A few similar movies with same / similar storyline but this is still interesting, yep do not want to spoil it.
Wife & I enjoyed this, start to finish had us wondering.
I will not spoil it, yes there are better movies but many many worse, worth a watch in our opinion.
A few similar movies with same / similar storyline but this is still interesting, yep do not want to spoil it.
Been done better, if not by better people.
face-819-93372626 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Bunch of "random" people wake up locked in a room, and they are all lying about themselves. Sound familiar? it should this movie seems to come out every few months with a different name, group of people, and relative story, but it is the same movie. Yes, I agree we are all very lucky to have Malcolm McDowell acting, and voicing everything, I just wish more of it was good is all. He plays the Devil, or God, or an omnipotent figurehead of one form, or another all of the time, and we have seen all of those characters enough I think. This movie just does nothing new, and for the most part pulls it's own punches, and comes up very short on the realism, or motive enough for most of these people to even be there. Not a good enough movie for what they had to work with. I did not Enjoy this, and I do not think most people will either. The webs are unraveled, and you no longer care.
Would you kill to get the job? Employer Review - LAHorror.com
hunter_david_johnson4 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Finding a job these days is tough, especially one that actually pays the bills. The search could even be described as a "true horror story" for some; even if you do land an interview, often you can get beat out by a more qualified candidate. Frank Merle, the writer and director of the new horror thriller, "The Employer," takes this idea to a whole new level: in this interview, you either get the job or die
It's a now classic set-up. Five strangers wake up in a locked room. Before long, they realize they have something in common: they have all recently interviewed for a position at the mysterious Carcharias Corporation, and today is supposed to be their final interview. Unbeknownst to them, The Employer (Malcolm McDowell) has a very sinister way of choosing the perfect candidate for the job. You see, at Carcharias Corporation, having a well-rounded resume is only half the battle. What's the other half? It's killing the competition before they kill you first. Last one standing gets the job of their dreams
The great part about a film like "The Employer" is that it takes a familiar premise and gives it its own unique and rather intelligent spin. Yes, pitting people against each other in a locked room has created some pretty grisly horror films, but "The Employer" isn't about the gore; it's about the characters. Merle creates a group of very fleshed out young professionals who have every reason in the world to try to get ahead. It's more fun to get to know the characters first before they're brutally murdered as opposed to watching strangers get hacked up; it makes for a much more satisfying viewing experience.
But while Merle crafts characters who are undoubtedly justified in their reasons to despise each other, he also brings out strong performances by five very talented actors. The scenarios he sets up for these interviewees are amplified by their terrific performances. Everyone brings something to the table, and everyone has a secret.
James, played by David Dastmalchian, is our Everyman and is wonderfully naïve and hopeful that in this terrifying scenario maybe, just maybe, nobody has to die. It really feels like at any moment Dastmalchian could break out and become a recognizable face for frequent moviegoers, and a film like "The Employer" certainly allows him to show some great range. Opposite him is the beautiful Paige Howard who plays the kind and caring Sandra. It's hard not to root for these two; their chemistry is strong, especially when the going gets tough.
Juxtaposed against this optimistic, seemingly level-headed pair are our other three captives: the sexy and ass-kicking Billie (Katerina Mikailenko), the bruising and massive Mike (Matthew Willig) and the loudmouth Kieth (Michael DeLorenzo). Five very different people in one nightmarish interview, "The Employer" creates a tense and unnerving experience that gets to be a real free for all with plenty of twists to keep you guessing who's going to get the job.
Which brings us to our last and most important piece of this puzzle: The Employer himself, Malcolm McDowell. As the puppet master of this whole scheme, it's extremely fun to see The Employer get inside of the heads of these characters and find out exactly what makes them tick. It's always fun to see McDowell play a bad guy, but in "The Employer" he's even more dementedly charming than usual. Every time McDowell is on the screen he steals the show, which is understandable given his ultra-talent. He embodies the mission of the Carcharias Corporation and adds a level of mystery and intrigue that we can only hope for a sequel (or two) to expand upon.
And maybe that's the real reason this movie was so enjoyable: the fact that it asks more questions than it answers. While Merle's intentions for making this film are unknown, "The Employer" raises a lot of questions not only about its own reality but also our own, and frequently plays with moral questions that we deal with on a daily basis. How often do we see people doing anything to get ahead of the competition, or a massive corporation treating its employees like pawns in its own sinister game? Merle has created a film that is modern, violent and full of nasty twists, "The Employer" grabs you and won't let you go.
Lastly I'll leave you with this, the same thing that Merle told me before I watched the movie and the thing that probably intrigued me the most: at the end, only one person walks out of that room alive
Check out our other indie horror reviews at LAHORROR.COM
It's a now classic set-up. Five strangers wake up in a locked room. Before long, they realize they have something in common: they have all recently interviewed for a position at the mysterious Carcharias Corporation, and today is supposed to be their final interview. Unbeknownst to them, The Employer (Malcolm McDowell) has a very sinister way of choosing the perfect candidate for the job. You see, at Carcharias Corporation, having a well-rounded resume is only half the battle. What's the other half? It's killing the competition before they kill you first. Last one standing gets the job of their dreams
The great part about a film like "The Employer" is that it takes a familiar premise and gives it its own unique and rather intelligent spin. Yes, pitting people against each other in a locked room has created some pretty grisly horror films, but "The Employer" isn't about the gore; it's about the characters. Merle creates a group of very fleshed out young professionals who have every reason in the world to try to get ahead. It's more fun to get to know the characters first before they're brutally murdered as opposed to watching strangers get hacked up; it makes for a much more satisfying viewing experience.
But while Merle crafts characters who are undoubtedly justified in their reasons to despise each other, he also brings out strong performances by five very talented actors. The scenarios he sets up for these interviewees are amplified by their terrific performances. Everyone brings something to the table, and everyone has a secret.
James, played by David Dastmalchian, is our Everyman and is wonderfully naïve and hopeful that in this terrifying scenario maybe, just maybe, nobody has to die. It really feels like at any moment Dastmalchian could break out and become a recognizable face for frequent moviegoers, and a film like "The Employer" certainly allows him to show some great range. Opposite him is the beautiful Paige Howard who plays the kind and caring Sandra. It's hard not to root for these two; their chemistry is strong, especially when the going gets tough.
Juxtaposed against this optimistic, seemingly level-headed pair are our other three captives: the sexy and ass-kicking Billie (Katerina Mikailenko), the bruising and massive Mike (Matthew Willig) and the loudmouth Kieth (Michael DeLorenzo). Five very different people in one nightmarish interview, "The Employer" creates a tense and unnerving experience that gets to be a real free for all with plenty of twists to keep you guessing who's going to get the job.
Which brings us to our last and most important piece of this puzzle: The Employer himself, Malcolm McDowell. As the puppet master of this whole scheme, it's extremely fun to see The Employer get inside of the heads of these characters and find out exactly what makes them tick. It's always fun to see McDowell play a bad guy, but in "The Employer" he's even more dementedly charming than usual. Every time McDowell is on the screen he steals the show, which is understandable given his ultra-talent. He embodies the mission of the Carcharias Corporation and adds a level of mystery and intrigue that we can only hope for a sequel (or two) to expand upon.
And maybe that's the real reason this movie was so enjoyable: the fact that it asks more questions than it answers. While Merle's intentions for making this film are unknown, "The Employer" raises a lot of questions not only about its own reality but also our own, and frequently plays with moral questions that we deal with on a daily basis. How often do we see people doing anything to get ahead of the competition, or a massive corporation treating its employees like pawns in its own sinister game? Merle has created a film that is modern, violent and full of nasty twists, "The Employer" grabs you and won't let you go.
Lastly I'll leave you with this, the same thing that Merle told me before I watched the movie and the thing that probably intrigued me the most: at the end, only one person walks out of that room alive
Check out our other indie horror reviews at LAHORROR.COM
Interesting Movie
cB39130 June 2013
I just caught this movie and it was a powerful look at capitalism. The monologue by Malcolm McDowell at the end of the movie helps to deconstruct the basic ideals of the corporate world. Endure with this murderous tale filled with hopes of a peaceful escape, where the gore is aptly used for effect, stereotypes questioned and the interview process taken to a whole new level (while still being relateable to the actual job market). The variety of roles, the differing characteristics of the main five characters; all fitted in with flashbacks to show "how they got there?" and the overlooking McDowell.
With Billy Zane at the end, the use of music, good interview questions which foreshadow the coming violence and the simplicity of the characters and their lives help to fill out the 90 minutes extremely well. Watch it at night to help set the atmosphere, and for some reason reminded me of "Cube".
6/10 - got across what it set out to do with interesting shifts and entertaining, didn't try to do too much and built the characters slowly (but the interviewing flashbacks reveal future actions later in the movie).
With Billy Zane at the end, the use of music, good interview questions which foreshadow the coming violence and the simplicity of the characters and their lives help to fill out the 90 minutes extremely well. Watch it at night to help set the atmosphere, and for some reason reminded me of "Cube".
6/10 - got across what it set out to do with interesting shifts and entertaining, didn't try to do too much and built the characters slowly (but the interviewing flashbacks reveal future actions later in the movie).
Horrible everything
Geenahgee0426 December 2018
Just watch the trailer. I watched this movie when it first came out on DVD. The movie was so horrible I snapped the DVD in half. The acting, the lighting, the suspense, all terrible. What a waste of money to make. Whoever rated this a 10/10 had to be paid a whole lot of money.
Entertaining, yet disappointing
valsna-885-78143121 September 2014
I was quite enthusiastic of watching this movie when I learned of it. The plot reminded me heavily of a similar movie titled Exam. Thus, I was expecting a similarly thrilling emotional and psychological ride. I did not receive it.
While the movie was entertaining to watch, I could not be helped but be irritated by some of the most illogical actions the characters took given their seemingly high intelligence. Overall, I could pretty much guess what would happen next and the ending was very very disappointing. I could think of at least three different endings that would have been much more intriguing, plot-twisting and unexpected.
To sum up, entertaining for while it runs on the screen, but nothing mind-blowing and leaves you rather frustrated at the end.
While the movie was entertaining to watch, I could not be helped but be irritated by some of the most illogical actions the characters took given their seemingly high intelligence. Overall, I could pretty much guess what would happen next and the ending was very very disappointing. I could think of at least three different endings that would have been much more intriguing, plot-twisting and unexpected.
To sum up, entertaining for while it runs on the screen, but nothing mind-blowing and leaves you rather frustrated at the end.
JUST LIKE GARDENING
nogodnomasters12 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is another five men enter one man leaves film. This has become a popular genre due to the pyschological element and the low budget aspect. In this film five people are competing for one job position. They are abducted and placed in a cell. They agree not to kill each other... blah blah blah.
To break up the cell action, there are flashbacks to their interviews and abductions. They are all asked the same question, "Is there anything you wouldn't do for this company?"
Malcolm McDowell, one of my "B" movie favorites plays the role of the employer. Although what owner of a large corporation conduct their own hiring interviews?
There are better "let's kill each other" films out there.
Parental Guide: F-bomb, sex. No nudity.
To break up the cell action, there are flashbacks to their interviews and abductions. They are all asked the same question, "Is there anything you wouldn't do for this company?"
Malcolm McDowell, one of my "B" movie favorites plays the role of the employer. Although what owner of a large corporation conduct their own hiring interviews?
There are better "let's kill each other" films out there.
Parental Guide: F-bomb, sex. No nudity.
a movie that keeps you guessing
kostas656524 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
For the biggest part of the movie i thought this was a five out of ten result at best. You have to find by yourselves why i changed my mind in the end and of course i 'll give you a clue: because of the relation between the first seconds of the movie and the movie itself.
If you liked exam (2009) stop reading reviews and go watch it now. This movie has its audience. Nevertheless you can't avoid watching lots of clichés.
As happens in almost every movie in the world (so why not in every review) there must be a subconscious message for you to stop watching this movie and go for a cigarette or to start smoking again if you have quit smoking.
The music was fitting with the movie and i liked that there was also a low volume background music even when there were dialogs. Scenes outside the room made the film less claustrophobic.
Don't expect an acting nomination.Katerina Mikailenko is mrs legs and David Dastmalchian is mr nerd face.
Information for audiences with tennis knowledge : Matthew Willig ( with the bandana ) reminded me of Juan Martin del Potro which made him the funny character for me.
Would you like to be in the same room with strangers? Would you like to watch others try?
If you liked exam (2009) stop reading reviews and go watch it now. This movie has its audience. Nevertheless you can't avoid watching lots of clichés.
As happens in almost every movie in the world (so why not in every review) there must be a subconscious message for you to stop watching this movie and go for a cigarette or to start smoking again if you have quit smoking.
The music was fitting with the movie and i liked that there was also a low volume background music even when there were dialogs. Scenes outside the room made the film less claustrophobic.
Don't expect an acting nomination.Katerina Mikailenko is mrs legs and David Dastmalchian is mr nerd face.
Information for audiences with tennis knowledge : Matthew Willig ( with the bandana ) reminded me of Juan Martin del Potro which made him the funny character for me.
Would you like to be in the same room with strangers? Would you like to watch others try?
Too weakly written and directed to ever really pick itself up
I_Ailurophile22 July 2023
Malcolm McDowell is widely known primarily for just two things, one being 'A clockwork orange' and the other being his unmistakable voice - practically the auditory equivalent of a sneer - that makes him perfect for particular roles, and villains above all. It's regrettable that in the latter part of his career McDowell has become rather pigeon-holed in that regard, being the go-to choice for anyone making a movie who is in need of an antagonist, with the result that the actor has found himself cast in a lot of schlock in, well, the past couple decades. That's not to say that Frank Merle's 'The employer' is totally rotten, but even from the very start it's very clearly a mixed bag, and it just doesn't have enough strength to pick itself up. I guess there are worse things you could watch, but nor is there any specific reason to check it out.
The writing wavers on a needlepoint of being blunt and unsubtle, yet carrying tinges of cleverness and nuance at some points and in some ways. Merle's direction, unfortunately, operates on a spectrum between heavy-handed and overcooked, and meek and undercooked. There are good ideas here, but even the characters are kind of stock material, templates that haven't been especially built upon in a meaningful way; illustrating the point, we can easily guess at the turn to come in how one is portrayed just because of how they are not given much focus early on - with the ultimate outcome of the competition being just as predictable. With the material being so weak, or at least not special, and Merle's direction hovering between insufficient and outright deficient, the cast struggle to make a mark. We know what McDowell is capable of at his best, and David Dastmalchian; I'm not familiar with Paige Howard, Michael DeLorenzo, Matthew Willig, or Katerina Mikailenko, but each illustrate a glimmer of skill (not served well by the feature) that tells me I'd like them elsewhere. Yet that's all we get from the cast here - a glimmer - and that's all 'The employer' at large really has to offer.
The stunts and effects are swell, sure, and I appreciate the production design, costume design, hair, and makeup. Though treated somewhat gawkily, there are obvious themes about the ruthlessness of capitalism and its most active participants; the scenario is barely an exaggeration at all as Merle correctly informs us, words unspoken, that the entirety of the economic system is evil and corrupt. And the foundation is here for what could have been a vibrant, exciting thriller. However, between the writing and direction? Well, to put it in Merle's own terms, 'The employer' could have been a vicious shark, but when all is said and done it's really just a meal, and at that one that is not really appetizing, let alone satisfying. It's not bad. It's just mostly much too meager to make itself count, and given the ideas underlying the premise, that's maybe even worse than if it had failed outright. Oh well.
The writing wavers on a needlepoint of being blunt and unsubtle, yet carrying tinges of cleverness and nuance at some points and in some ways. Merle's direction, unfortunately, operates on a spectrum between heavy-handed and overcooked, and meek and undercooked. There are good ideas here, but even the characters are kind of stock material, templates that haven't been especially built upon in a meaningful way; illustrating the point, we can easily guess at the turn to come in how one is portrayed just because of how they are not given much focus early on - with the ultimate outcome of the competition being just as predictable. With the material being so weak, or at least not special, and Merle's direction hovering between insufficient and outright deficient, the cast struggle to make a mark. We know what McDowell is capable of at his best, and David Dastmalchian; I'm not familiar with Paige Howard, Michael DeLorenzo, Matthew Willig, or Katerina Mikailenko, but each illustrate a glimmer of skill (not served well by the feature) that tells me I'd like them elsewhere. Yet that's all we get from the cast here - a glimmer - and that's all 'The employer' at large really has to offer.
The stunts and effects are swell, sure, and I appreciate the production design, costume design, hair, and makeup. Though treated somewhat gawkily, there are obvious themes about the ruthlessness of capitalism and its most active participants; the scenario is barely an exaggeration at all as Merle correctly informs us, words unspoken, that the entirety of the economic system is evil and corrupt. And the foundation is here for what could have been a vibrant, exciting thriller. However, between the writing and direction? Well, to put it in Merle's own terms, 'The employer' could have been a vicious shark, but when all is said and done it's really just a meal, and at that one that is not really appetizing, let alone satisfying. It's not bad. It's just mostly much too meager to make itself count, and given the ideas underlying the premise, that's maybe even worse than if it had failed outright. Oh well.
It is special!
RodrigAndrisan28 May 2018
This is the kind of movie I usually do not like. All the action in a closed frame, only dialogue, right, there are also four crimes, boring. But, the quality of the actors' play, I mean the five job candidates, all very natural, they pick up the
film. Plus, Malcolm McDowell, "deadly serious" and very special talented. It is a little slow and predictable, even hard to believe that Keith Caverns (Michael
DeLorenzo) can strangle with a tie the giant Mike Drake (Matthew Willig) or that Billie Lewis then kills Keith Caverns with her shoe heel. Except that, everything is like in life, I have seen with my own eyes such characters, in real life, in different working places, capable of anything for a job.
My Review of "The Employer"
arturo-francescangeli3 May 2013
I found out about "The Employer" from a friend's recommendation. And I'm glad I did! As the film begins, I am pleased to see Malcolm McDowell's cold, calculating dialogue – I became a fan of his from his work on HBO's "Entourage." I enjoy his almost sinister and cut-throat portrayal of a powerful executive in that series. In "The Employer", there is nothing 'almost' sinister about his character
he truly is a villainous madman! I later did some research and found that McDowell stars in the infamous Stanley Kubrick film "A Clockwork Orange." (I didn't know that! Pretty impressive.)
The story unfolds as five job applicants wake up in a locked vault, after being drugged. They piece together that they all are vying for a "life-changing" job at the Carcharias Corporation. We soon find out that their supposed last interview is actually set up as a kind of death match by McDowell's character, The Employer.
What I like about this film is that it uses character dialogue and flashbacks to tell the story. It's interesting to learn how each individual ends up in their current predicament. I also personally like the character 'Billie.' She's a tough, hot, sexy, ass-kicking brunette! Actually, I find that all the characters have something to offer, even the sociopathic 'Keith.' It's like each character reminds you of a part of yourself - that you either recognize or are in denial of, haha.
Plus, the thrills, surprises, and violence in the story are what you come to expect out of a movie of this genre - supported with a cameo by none other than Billy Zane! Enjoy!
The story unfolds as five job applicants wake up in a locked vault, after being drugged. They piece together that they all are vying for a "life-changing" job at the Carcharias Corporation. We soon find out that their supposed last interview is actually set up as a kind of death match by McDowell's character, The Employer.
What I like about this film is that it uses character dialogue and flashbacks to tell the story. It's interesting to learn how each individual ends up in their current predicament. I also personally like the character 'Billie.' She's a tough, hot, sexy, ass-kicking brunette! Actually, I find that all the characters have something to offer, even the sociopathic 'Keith.' It's like each character reminds you of a part of yourself - that you either recognize or are in denial of, haha.
Plus, the thrills, surprises, and violence in the story are what you come to expect out of a movie of this genre - supported with a cameo by none other than Billy Zane! Enjoy!
Spooky, not Scary
bob-rutzel-110 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Five applicants apply for a single job with a big powerful and mysterious company. On the night before the final interview, all are drugged and find themselves in a locked room with no visible means of escape. The phone rings and it's The Employer (Malcolm McDowell) who tells them the final interview will not be what they expected. Hope this is not scary.
Well, it wasn't scary, but it was spooky and definitely not for everyone. All agree to work together to insure that no one kills anyone as they all believe that the company wants everyone in the room to kill one another and the last one alive will get the job. Ah, a plan! (um, that's 2-plans)
We have: James: ( David Dastmalchian) who claims he is adaptable and is just out of college. Sandra: (Paige Howard) is someone running from her past and will do anything for this job. Mike: (Matthew Willig) as big as a football player and wants to be known for his brain, not muscles. Billie: (Katerina Mikailenko) she has a lot of information on the company and knows some secrets. Keith: (Michael DeLorenzo) a loud mouth who cannot keep his mouth shut, but knows how things work.
The room has a door and will only open when the correct code is entered. When one person dies, a code (to open the door) is given via a cell phone. So you see where this is going?
In flashbacks, we see The Employer interview each candidate with the last question always being: would you do be willing to do anything for the company? And, they all say YES except one who says it would depend on the situation.
You would think that this would not be too interesting, but the pacing, the dialogues, the acting and timing of all in the room keep you wanting to know how this ends. These actors are very good.
Malcolm McDowell is pure gold no matter if we see him in comedies, or in dramas. His eyes have that mysterious quality whereby you cannot take your eyes off him as we are not sure what he will say or do next. And, his quizzical facial expressions and sometime staccato deliveries keeps you attentive. Like I said: pure gold.
As I said, this is not for everyone (not a family movie). Who do you think will get the job? Keep in mind the applicants are totally highly qualified. If truth be known I have already told you. (7/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: No.
Well, it wasn't scary, but it was spooky and definitely not for everyone. All agree to work together to insure that no one kills anyone as they all believe that the company wants everyone in the room to kill one another and the last one alive will get the job. Ah, a plan! (um, that's 2-plans)
We have: James: ( David Dastmalchian) who claims he is adaptable and is just out of college. Sandra: (Paige Howard) is someone running from her past and will do anything for this job. Mike: (Matthew Willig) as big as a football player and wants to be known for his brain, not muscles. Billie: (Katerina Mikailenko) she has a lot of information on the company and knows some secrets. Keith: (Michael DeLorenzo) a loud mouth who cannot keep his mouth shut, but knows how things work.
The room has a door and will only open when the correct code is entered. When one person dies, a code (to open the door) is given via a cell phone. So you see where this is going?
In flashbacks, we see The Employer interview each candidate with the last question always being: would you do be willing to do anything for the company? And, they all say YES except one who says it would depend on the situation.
You would think that this would not be too interesting, but the pacing, the dialogues, the acting and timing of all in the room keep you wanting to know how this ends. These actors are very good.
Malcolm McDowell is pure gold no matter if we see him in comedies, or in dramas. His eyes have that mysterious quality whereby you cannot take your eyes off him as we are not sure what he will say or do next. And, his quizzical facial expressions and sometime staccato deliveries keeps you attentive. Like I said: pure gold.
As I said, this is not for everyone (not a family movie). Who do you think will get the job? Keep in mind the applicants are totally highly qualified. If truth be known I have already told you. (7/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: No.
I liked it
imvaughn26 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I think this movie is severely underrated. I really enjoyed the flick. I didn't know anything about the movie except what the description was and I found it to be really good. I liked how they provided back story for each character and showed parts of their interviews and when they got abducted.
I didn't know the chubby girl had all the information about the others before going in. When I found out, it made sense that she woke up 1st. Then, I was mad when she starting talking at the end and basically gave away that she knew about the interview beforehand and was going to kill him. But that's just like bad guys to want to brag a bit.
I loved the dark haired smoker guy. I was really rooting for him and was glad they got the muscle guy out the way fast. I know some reviews said it wasn't believable. But the muscle guy was intentionally beat up the night before and had a broken rib and etc. With the element of surprise, I've seen a lot of smaller guys take on bigger guys and win.
I didn't like the guy with the glasses. The ending I think was bad, I really wanted the dork guy to kill the employer. Because in the end even though he killed Alan. He had no choice. Kill Alan or some guys will be at your door to kill you. I really don't think he has what it takes to be a part of the company.
Overall, it was a good movie. Not movie theater worthy, but Saturday night DVD worthy for sure. I have watched a ton of movies and I guess I am not a snob. I expect a B or C movie to be a B or C movie. I do not expect the acting to be superb or the set to be spectacular. It's a low budget movie and for a low budget movie it was good. I cared about each character, except the ninja girl. When muscle head talked to his mom that was touching and when the last girl to die couldn't reach her sister I felt bad for her.
I recommend this movie. IMDb has a way of rating a movie lower than it should be. This is definitely one where they go it wrong.
I didn't know the chubby girl had all the information about the others before going in. When I found out, it made sense that she woke up 1st. Then, I was mad when she starting talking at the end and basically gave away that she knew about the interview beforehand and was going to kill him. But that's just like bad guys to want to brag a bit.
I loved the dark haired smoker guy. I was really rooting for him and was glad they got the muscle guy out the way fast. I know some reviews said it wasn't believable. But the muscle guy was intentionally beat up the night before and had a broken rib and etc. With the element of surprise, I've seen a lot of smaller guys take on bigger guys and win.
I didn't like the guy with the glasses. The ending I think was bad, I really wanted the dork guy to kill the employer. Because in the end even though he killed Alan. He had no choice. Kill Alan or some guys will be at your door to kill you. I really don't think he has what it takes to be a part of the company.
Overall, it was a good movie. Not movie theater worthy, but Saturday night DVD worthy for sure. I have watched a ton of movies and I guess I am not a snob. I expect a B or C movie to be a B or C movie. I do not expect the acting to be superb or the set to be spectacular. It's a low budget movie and for a low budget movie it was good. I cared about each character, except the ninja girl. When muscle head talked to his mom that was touching and when the last girl to die couldn't reach her sister I felt bad for her.
I recommend this movie. IMDb has a way of rating a movie lower than it should be. This is definitely one where they go it wrong.
Killer job interview! and movie.
simplyshirleys15 May 2013
"The Employer" is a psychological thriller. It's about five total strangers locked in a room together. They find out they are candidates up for the same position at the Carcharias Corp. "The Employer" is a thriller and full of suspense. The only way out of this final interview is if you are the last one to survive. It seems fear turns you into a killer rather quickly. All five candidates have different character qualities about them, some more ruthless than others. The scary thing is you can see yourself in these characters. And wonder could this ever happen to you. Yes it could, but hopefully you are lucky enough to slip by freaky companies like this one. I found myself rooting for a couple of characters in the film. You will too. You are rooting for them to win the position (which means you are rooting for them to be the last one alive). After watching this movie, I don't think I want to land any job interviews!
Mini-Saw, but less entertaining
robertemerald11 November 2019
The Employer is a highly professional production, with great actors, good lighting and even a decent script. It's the story that's a little lame. We've seen it before, in Cube, in Saw and several others. In this movie, however, there's less intrigue, less tension, and none of the mechanical sophistication that makes Cube and Saw movies such a delight. I did enjoy it, true, as it has just enough suspense in its horrible premise to keep the viewer interested, but I'd recommend other movies before this one. Mind you, there are are so many movies of this ilk now that it would have to be considered a genre, like zombie, vampire or teen slasher movies. So, perhaps I do recommend it, particularly if you are a lover of this new genre. If that's the case then The Employer will be important viewing, as it it best illustrates what can be done on a bare minimum.
A Wicked Tale of Business Hiring Practises
sufi-mohamed-11 July 2013
Merle does an excellent job of synthesizing both drama and suspense to create one of the most interesting movies I've seen in a very long time. We're lead to believe that its characters don't meet by chance, there's a real reason behind the sinister plot that encourages a vicious, dramatic performance.
We're lulled in slowly, as we discover the real reason the characters are there, what they were doing the night before, and the lengths they would go to acquire their position in the company. A lot of movies out there try to deal with the concept of Darwinism and natural selection, surely, but what happens when the business world adopts that mentality? Hasn't it already adopted that worldview? Success and profit mean everything, by whatever means necessary.
The Employer is a fascinating story of human psychology, ethics and the latent animalism that lurks within us all. Seemingly ordinary people whose one goal right now is to become millionaires are put side-by-side to uncover one of the most startling revelations--if that were me, I'd have done what they did. We watch as a spectators, but we're really watching ourselves--this is exactly what we would do if we were forced in these circumstances.
What're you waiting for? If you think Tom Cruise's Collateral had the natural selection argument, wait till you see The Employer.
Let's get hired!
We're lulled in slowly, as we discover the real reason the characters are there, what they were doing the night before, and the lengths they would go to acquire their position in the company. A lot of movies out there try to deal with the concept of Darwinism and natural selection, surely, but what happens when the business world adopts that mentality? Hasn't it already adopted that worldview? Success and profit mean everything, by whatever means necessary.
The Employer is a fascinating story of human psychology, ethics and the latent animalism that lurks within us all. Seemingly ordinary people whose one goal right now is to become millionaires are put side-by-side to uncover one of the most startling revelations--if that were me, I'd have done what they did. We watch as a spectators, but we're really watching ourselves--this is exactly what we would do if we were forced in these circumstances.
What're you waiting for? If you think Tom Cruise's Collateral had the natural selection argument, wait till you see The Employer.
Let's get hired!
Darwin and human nature
robopanch-557-6478956 May 2013
"Nobody Dies" That is what James Harris (David Dasmalchain) tells the group of 4 other applicants when he discovers that in order to win a job at the mysterious "Cacharais Corperation" they must murder each other until only one remains. It is a high minded ideal, but will it win out against the cold realities of their circumstances? These are the brutal circumstances put forth by "The Employer." Will they try to make it out together? or will their own fragile natures ensure their demise? Through flashback we see each of the characters interview with the mysterious Employer (Malcolm MacDowell)here we see their strengths, but more importantly their weaknesses. In addition to James the everyman there is the seemingly sweet and naive Sandra (Paige Howard), the stylish grad student Billie (Katerina Mikalilenko) the fast talking huckster Keith (Michael Delorenzo) and the gentle giant Mike (Matthew Willig) who has ample brains in addition to his brawn. After James declaration tensions arise and insecurity about survival starts to gnaw away at them. Add in a cameo from Billy Zane and you have a great thriller that utilizes character development and suspense, not cheap tawdry gore. "The Employer" adept commentary on our insecurity regarding today's job market shows that director Frank Merle is a bold new voice in not only the realm of horror, bit all of cinema. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
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