Gabriel Teixeira 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.

nik kostas 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?

robopanch-557-647895 "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!

formerjedsgirl What would you do to go from being in debt, to having a six figure position? What would you do to make a lot of money? These are the questions asked in Frank Merle's well thought drama, The Employer. We the viewer do not know what the job is; but the five candidates know exactly what is at stake. When the final interview takes place, we see how far some will go just to be the person hired.The concept of The Employer is in the realm of movies like Saw or The Hunger Games. There are five people locked in a room and the only way to get the coveted job is to be the last one alive. All five have been drugged or knocked out cold and wake up in the safe locked room. Some remember the last thing they were doing and some have no idea how they got there. A cell phone is found on one of our main characters, James Harris (David Dastmalchian). They receive a phone call from The Employer to let him know that they cannot call the police and that after each person dies, a code to the door would be given to unlock. Soon, they all realize that they have interviewed for the same position and the ambiguous Carcharias Corporation. One by one we are introduced to the different credentials that each candidate has. Strong. Hard Working. Devious. Cut throat. All of them have a story, and all of them need the job.It stars Malcolm McDowell as The Employer. He is the man who sits behind the desk and interviews the five candidates. McDowell has a natural presence about him. We of course all remember him from his breakthrough performance in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange. He is the perfect actor for this film. He has mystery behind his eyes and his portrayal of power is calm and cool. He interviews the five candidates, one by one with precision and repetition. Asking similar questions to them and getting a similar response with a different answer. Merle has done an impressive job of letting McDowell portray power behind the desk. He is a character that does not show power through pointing a gun or using fists. He simply has power with words or a push of a button.Each candidate in the room is unique. James is a hard working shy guy. He believes that if the five in the room can work together and figure it out that nobody has to die. Along with him is the innocent and scared Sandra (Paige Howard; daughter of Ron Howard, sister of Bryce Dallas Howard); she is running away from something. She felt that getting this job would help her to get away from the past. Mike (Matthew Willig) is the man with muscle who wants to be acknowledged for his brain. Billie (Katerina Mikailenko) is the bad ass woman who has some insider information of the Carcharias Corporation. Last, is Keith Caverns (Michael DeLorenzo) who is the antagonizing loud mouth. All have different qualities and Merle shows these qualities during each individual interview.In the locked room is just the five candidates. There are no knives. No guns. No weapons. This is what separates The Employer from a movie like Saw. This is what I found to be the most intriguing. It was the characters and their personalities that would determine who lives and dies. As the film goes along I was surprised to see what items would be used as weapons. A belt, a tie, a high heel, and even a vent plate. Merle brings the animal out of all five humans. All of this for the sake of winning the job. Even after someone emerges there is still the person already working for Carcharias Corporation that may be the last one out. Alan (Billy Zane) has been loyal to the company for many years, but that does not mean he has job security.The Employer is a good film. Merle has a movie here that is a thriller that puts light on America's social situation of job security. There is more that is said when people are battling for a job that would put not only food in your mouth, but boost you a full pay grade. It is not a battle just for current survival, but a battle for potential security. These are things that all can relate to today. McDowell is the actor who gives a solid performance. Paige Howard and David Dastmalchian give performances that will certainly help their acting careers flourish. They show promise in their young careers. Billy Zane gives us somewhat a cameo for his short screen time, but his role proves that your job can never be safe even if you are the best employee at Carcharis Corporation. An intriguing concept and thrilling to watch! The Employer is a winning film!More reviews at AMOVIEGUY.COM