Corporate Animals (2019)

Corporate Animals Poster

Disaster strikes when the egotistical CEO of an edible cutlery company leads her long-suffering staff on a corporate team-building trip in New Mexico. Trapped underground, this mismatched and disgruntled group must pull together to survive.

Overview
"Corporate Animals" is a 2019 American dark comedy-horror movie directed by Patrick Brice and written by Sam Bain. The movie stars Demi Moore, Ed Helms, and Karan Soni. The story focuses on a group of workers from a business who participate in a team-building retreat in New Mexico. Due to a catastrophic turn of occasions, they find themselves fighting for survival in the face of unexpected dangers and their own individual devils.

Plot
Demi Moore plays Lucy, the self-indulgent and egotistical CEO of a company that produces edible flatware, Incredible Edible Cutlery Co. To boost her staff's spirits and foster team-building, she prepares a business retreat in the caves of New Mexico. The group includes 8 staff members, including help climbing expert, Brandon (Ed Helms), the overly sycophantic Freddie (Karan Soni), and the sarcastic and cynical Jess (Jessica Williams).

During the tour-guide led expedition of the caves, a cave-in traps the group underground. With no other alternative, the team must find out to work together to make it through up until they are saved. Unbeknownst to the team, their guide, Brandon, is unskilled. Although initially provided as a generic team-building exercise failed, the film quickly takes a dark, comic, and grotesque turn. As the group's food and water products decrease, they resort to cannibalism, feeding upon an ex-colleague's corpse for sustenance.

Crucial Reception
"Corporate Animals" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019, producing mixed to negative evaluations from critics. The movie's humor, particularly the focus on office characteristics and politics, resonated with some viewers, however others discovered it off-putting and mean-spirited. Demi Moore's performance as the dishonest and unconcerned CEO was extensively valued.

Regardless of its comical aspects and scary minutes, the movie was slammed for its irregular mix of genres. Some critics felt the mix of funny, satire, drama, and thriller was not efficiently performed, leaving the movie unsure of what it wants to be-- gross-out scary, business satire, or survival drama. The film was also critiqued for using cannibalism as a plot gadget, with some viewers finding it horrible.

Nevertheless, the film managed to capture an aspect of humanity as it comments on business greed, the dangers of unqualified leaders, and the dehumanizing nature of workplace politics. Throughout their ordeal, everybody's true nature is given the surface area, and their characteristics alter as they're forced to interact beyond their comfort zones.

Conclusion
"Corporate Animals" functions as a commentary on corporate practices and paints a picture of how high-stakes situations can highlight the worst and finest in people. Integrating aspects of scary, dark comedy, and social critique, the film uses an uncommon yet thought-provoking cinematic experience. In spite of its flaws, it's worth expecting its storytelling, efficiency, and out-of-box principle.

Top Cast

  • Demi Moore (small)
    Demi Moore
    Lucy
  • Nasim Pedrad (small)
    Nasim Pedrad
    Suzy
  • Ed Helms (small)
    Ed Helms
    Brandon
  • Karan Soni (small)
    Karan Soni
    Freddie
  • Jessica Williams (small)
    Jessica Williams
    Jess
  • Isiah Whitlock Jr. (small)
    Isiah Whitlock Jr.
    Derek
  • Martha Kelly (small)
    Martha Kelly
    Gloria
  • Dan Bakkedahl (small)
    Dan Bakkedahl
    Billy
  • Calum Worthy (small)
    Calum Worthy
    Aidan
  • Jennifer Kim (small)
    Jennifer Kim
    May
  • Frank Bond (small)
    Frank Bond
    Ian