The Circle Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Girl gets a job at Facebook and then accidentally kills her friend because she’s too enthusiastic about sharing, but then decides that everyone else should be forced to share too, while also kayaking a lot.

🍿 The Circle: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Mae’s New Job at The Circle

Mae Holland, a young woman struggling in a dead-end job, lands a coveted position at The Circle, a powerful tech and social media company. The company is portrayed as a utopian workplace with amazing perks and a seemingly benevolent mission to connect the world. Her friend Annie, who already works there, helped her get the job. Mae hopes to help her father, who has MS, with the better health insurance.

Embracing Transparency

As Mae becomes more involved in The Circle, she is introduced to groundbreaking technologies, including “SeeChange,” miniature cameras that can stream real-time video from anywhere. She quickly rises through the ranks, embracing the company’s philosophy of radical transparency. Tom Hanks’ character, Eamon Bailey, pushes Mae to become fully transparent and broadcast her life 24/7.

The Dark Side of Connection

Mae’s decision to go fully transparent has unintended consequences. Her relationships with her family and friends suffer as private moments are exposed to the world. She begins to see the darker side of constant surveillance and the erosion of privacy. Her old friend Mercer questions her decisions but gets vilified online when she accidentally outs him.

Mercer’s Tragic End

The Circle implements a program to find anyone in the world within 20 minutes, and Mae inadvertently becomes involved in the hunt for Mercer. The relentless pursuit by Circle users, fueled by the company’s technology, leads to a tragic accident where Mercer dies. The death deeply affects Mae, making her question the true cost of transparency.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mae Holland (Emma Watson): A young woman who starts working at The Circle and becomes increasingly involved in its privacy-invading practices.
• Eamon Bailey (Tom Hanks): The charismatic CEO of The Circle, who promotes radical transparency and connection.
• Ty Lafitte (John Boyega): The disillusioned founder of the Circle’s social network, TrueYou, who is wary of the company’s direction.
• Annie Allerton (Karen Gillan): Mae’s ambitious friend who works at The Circle and initially helps her get a job there.
• Mercer (Ellar Coltrane): Mae’s old friend who is skeptical of The Circle and its impact on privacy.
• Vinnie (Bill Paxton): Mae’s father who suffers from multiple sclerosis and whose healthcare is affected by Mae’s job.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eamon Bailey: “Knowing is good, but knowing everything is better.” – Bailey introduces the concept of total transparency and the benefits of knowing everything to the company.
• Eamon Bailey: “Secrets are lies. Sharing is caring. Privacy is theft.” – These are the core principles of The Circle’s philosophy, promoting complete openness and discouraging privacy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $20,497,844
• Worldwide Gross: $40,656,399

💥 The Circle Reviews

Personal Review

I was really excited to see this movie because the topic felt so relevant. I kept hoping it would turn into this thrilling exposé of social media’s dark side, but it just kind of… fizzled out. Emma Watson’s performance was okay, but I couldn’t connect with her character at all. There’s this one scene where her friend dies because of the company’s technology, and it felt like it should have been this major turning point, but it just wasn’t. Honestly, I think the most memorable part was Bill Paxton’s role; it was so touching knowing it was one of his last. Overall, I left feeling disappointed. It’s a shame because it could have been so much better.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in technology and its impact on society”
  • “Fans of dystopian fiction”
  • “Those who enjoy thought-provoking films with ethical dilemmas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Thematic elements”
  • “A character death”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite a timely premise and a talented cast, The Circle fails to offer any meaningful insights into the dangers of social media overreach. It’s a thoughtless execution of a potentially powerful idea.
• IGN: “The Circle has a relevant concept and some decent performances, but ultimately feels underwhelming. The ending is abrupt and doesn’t fully explore the consequences of the story’s events, leaving the audience wanting more.
• Variety: “The Circle starts strong with timely commentary, but loses its way as the plot becomes increasingly contrived and the characters less believable. The film fails to deliver on its initial promise, settling for a simplistic message about privacy.

Audience Reactions

Some viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to spark a conversation about technology and privacy in the digital age.: The movie’s central theme is thought-provoking and highlights the potential dangers of unchecked social media influence.

Many viewers found the plot predictable and the characters lacked depth, making it hard to invest in the story.: The script felt underdeveloped, and the performances, despite the talented cast, were not enough to save the film.

Overall Consensus: The Circle, despite its relevant themes and talented cast, fails to deliver a compelling narrative, resulting in a predictable and ultimately underwhelming experience for most viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Dave Eggers, who also co-wrote the screenplay.”
• “Glenne Headly, who played Mae’s mother, Bonnie, and Bill Paxton, who played Mae’s father, Vinnie, both passed away in 2017, the year the film was released. This was Paxton’s final film role.”
• “The film was shot at various locations, including the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, which served as the exterior for The Circle headquarters.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Circle?

The Circle is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Streaming availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Circle, you might like these similar films:

• The Truman Show (1998): Shares the theme of constant surveillance and the blurring of reality and performance, where the protagonist’s life is broadcast to the world without his knowledge.
• Minority Report (2002): Explores the implications of technology predicting and controlling behavior, raising questions about privacy and free will.
• Snowden (2016): Deals with the real-world implications of government surveillance and the ethical dilemmas faced by those who expose it.
• Black Mirror (TV Series, 2011-2019): An anthology series that explores the dark and often disturbing consequences of technology on society and individual lives, with themes of privacy, social media, and surveillance.

🛒 The Circle Related Products

• The Circle [Blu-ray]: Own the movie on Blu-ray for a high-definition viewing experience and bonus features, allowing you to delve deeper into the themes and making of the film. Great for movie buffs and collectors.
• Kindle Edition: The Circle by Dave Eggers: Dive into the original novel by Dave Eggers. A great way to experience the full depth of the story and explore the complex themes of privacy, technology, and societal impact.
• Privacy, Identity, and Anonymity in a Networked World: Edited by K.P. Unnikrishnan: Explore the real-world issues that the movie touches upon. A great academic resource with cutting-edge research.
• Official ‘The Circle’ Logo T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for the film. A conversation starter and stylish addition to your wardrobe.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Circle features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Metal Guru” – performed by T. Rex

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

LAST To Leave The Circle! Fun Squad!

Ever wonder what it would be like to compete in a real-life version of musical chairs? This video shows a group of friends trying to outlast each other in a battle for a juicy prize. Get ready for laughter, suspense, and of course, some unexpected twists.

Dan Harmon Story Circle: 8 Proven Steps to Better Stories

Do you struggle with crafting compelling stories? This video breaks down the basics of narrative structure using the Story Circle. Learn how to create characters, build conflict, and deliver a satisfying resolution. Trust me, even if you’re not a writer, this knowledge will make you appreciate movies and TV shows on a whole new level.

Color Theory in Film – Color Psychology for Directors: Ep5

Ever wonder why certain colors are used in movies and how they affect our emotions? This video breaks down the basics of color theory in filmmaking. Learn how directors use hue, saturation, and brightness to create specific moods and atmospheres. It’s like unlocking a secret code that will make you see movies in a whole new light.

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