Corner Office was a rare film that I had zero knowledge of prior to the trailer release and that preview was a true mindbender that drew me in immediately. I wish I could say the same for the film itself as it lacks momentum and while the conclusion is certainly something to build up to, its efforts are moot. 

 

Led by an unusual performance by Jon Hamm as he narrates the occurrences in his life more than he speaks in the film. Hamm is surrounded by a rather unknown cast, apart from Danny Pudi (Community, Mythic Quest) so it allows his presence to be all the more distracting among a group of rather mean spirited, always uncomfortable beings. Essentially after starting his position at a new office job, Hamm’s Orson discovers a mysterious office where he is able to feel the most “himself”. This office is unknown by the staff and Orson believes no matter how hard he tries to reason with them, that they’re all in on a conspiracy together. 

 

The story is one of paranoia and trying to rationalize what Orson is witnessing, while understanding that we may be experiencing the definition of an “unreliable narrator”. As he fights for his pursuit of the “corner office" being both real and his to use, this leads to the staff getting all the more irritated and worried at Orson’s actions. Several hinting throughout at something eerie about their new co-worker. The dialogue is purposefully awkward as it is meant to mislead the viewer into the final crucial moments of the film. 

 

It’s in Corner Office’s pacing that the film freezes, advertised to be a feature length copycat of the Apple TV+ hit Severance, the feature is fleeting in comparison. It’s easy to lose focus as the monotone nature of the characters and plot get carried away and start to drown out the importance of what the meaning of the office really is. The ending is a shocking resolution but it's also one that makes the audience consider if the trial to reach it is really worth the effort.