Corporate Animals

Corporate Animals is a 2019 satirical dark comedy film that masterfully blends elements of horror with the corporate world's cutthroat atmosphere. Directed by Patrick Brice, who made a name for himself with the found footage horror “Creep” and its sequel, Corporate Animals showcases his ability to seamlessly meld genres. The script is penned by Sam Bain, one of the creators of the hit British comedy series, Peep Show. This dynamic director-writer team delivers a movie that pushes the boundaries of workplace dynamics and office politics to absurd and hilarious extremes, highlighting the sacrifices people make to achieve success.

In the film, businesswoman Lucy, played by two-time Golden Globe winner Demi Moore, is heading an edible cutlery company called Incredible Edibles. She is the archetypal narcissistic CEO, full of pompous ambitions and indifferent to her employees' needs. Notably, one of her standout lines, "The key to success is never taking no for an answer," gives viewers a glimpse into her ruthless, domineering yet comically flawed character.

Lucy decides to take her motley team of employees, including the always-effervescent Jessica Williams as Jess, and comedy stalwart Ed Helms as Brandon, on a corporate team-building caving excursion in New Mexico. This adventurous outing is supposed to enhance their cooperative abilities and strengthen their team spirit. Opting against the beginner's route for a more challenging spelunking journey, their ambitious team-building exercise quickly spirals into a disaster, trapping them underground with limited resources.

The ensemble cast is diverse and vibrant with a lineup of talented comedians, including Martha Kelly, Dan Bakkedahl, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Karan Soni. Each sporting distinct personalities, the characters are relatable archetypes of a familiar office scenario - the sycophant, the cynic, the office optimist, the intern, and the CEO, all brought to life brilliantly. The characters' awkward dynamics and workplace tension seep into their survival tactics, amplifying the hilarity and horror of their confined predicament.

As their situation becomes progressively dire, their interpersonal relationships intensify, and loyalties are tested, leading to hilarious tension and capturing the metaphor of a figuratively and literally toxic work environment. In quintessential dark comedy fashion, the narrative uses wit and humor to lighten the intense survival theme, poking fun at corporate culture, and using the claustrophobic environment to amplify tensions and de-escalate disagreements with comedic relief.

The cinematography sets a fitting backdrop to the mix of satire and survival, with tight shots that capture the claustrophobic intimacy and desperation of the group. The grim condition and creepy setting of the cave, lit only by their helmets' dim beams, gives an eerie aura that adds an edge to the comedy, keeping the viewers on tiptoes.

Corporate Animals takes you on a journey that's an unforgettable mix of laughter, terror, and absurdity. The movie's unique selling point is its commitment to absurd humor, coupled with a pulsating commentary on toxic work culture. It is a dive into what individuals are willing to endure in the modern work culture, touching on themes of power manipulation, capitalism, and survival of the fittest.

Demi Moore's nuanced performance as Lucy, the entrepreneurial leader with a severe lack of morality or empathy, is a standout. Jessica Williams and Ed Helms also carry their roles with aplomb, offering humor amidst the tension and horror. The distinctly comedic chemistry shared among the ensemble cast is evident, and their collective performances provide a fresh interpretation of the survival-cum-office comedy.

Corporate Animals, while not for the faint-hearted or those looking for a traditional comedy, offers an exciting mix of humor and horror. For those willing to embrace its zany blend of genres, this film stands out as an entertaining criticism of power dynamics and survival mechanisms in a corporate setting. With an ensemble cast delivering memorable performances and doses of biting sarcasm and unexpected moments, Corporate Animals is a wild ride from start to finish.