You are here:
The Circle

The Circle

2017

PG-13

Director

James Ponsoldt

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

A young tech worker takes a job at a powerful Internet corporation, quickly rises up the company's ranks, and soon finds herself in a perilous situation concerning privacy, surveillance and freedom. She comes to learn that her decisions and actions will determine the future of humanity.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

3.5/10

Limited


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The film focuses almost entirely on the protagonist's professional and psychological journey within a corporate structure. There is a notable absence of LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisnormative identities throughout the story.

Gender Representation

Fair

Mae Holland serves as a powerful female lead who drives the narrative through her intellect and agency. While male executives are present, the film's trajectory is defined by her choices and influence.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Limited

The setting and casting reflect a predominantly white, upper-middle-class demographic typical of the Silicon Valley elite. The lived experiences of characters of color are not integrated into the primary narrative arc.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

The story offers a profound critique of modern Western institutions and late-stage capitalism. It portrays the corporation as a cult-like entity that challenges the traditional sanctity of privacy and personal life.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no significant presence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The film does not utilize neurodivergence or physical disability to explore themes of agency or systemic barriers.

Strengths

  • Places a female protagonist in a position of unprecedented global influence and agency.
  • Provides a sophisticated critique of modern Western institutions and unchecked corporate power.
  • Explores the philosophical and psychological consequences of radical transparency and surveillance.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks meaningful representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-cisnormative characters.
  • Fails to integrate the lived experiences of people of color or diverse ethnic backgrounds.
  • Neglects to include characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the narrative.

AI Analysis

The film functions as a concentrated cautionary tale about systemic surveillance and corporate hegemony. It succeeds in placing a female protagonist at the center of a global power shift, providing a strong sense of individual agency within a high-stakes technological landscape. However, the narrative lacks intersectional breadth. By prioritizing the philosophical implications of digital connectivity, the film overlooks a wide range of social identities, resulting in a homogeneous social stratum that feels disconnected from a global perspective. Ultimately, the film's focus on the Silicon Valley elite limits its scope. While it offers a sharp critique of capitalist structures, it fails to represent the diverse human experiences that would exist within such a pervasive technological ecosystem.

How are these scores produced? →

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.