Corner Office (2022)

DIRECTOR: JOACHIM BACK DISTRIBUTOR: EAGLE ENTERTAINMENT

There is nothing that collectively drains people all over the world quite like the classic 9 to 5 office day job. Being stuck on a desk in front of a computer, wishing to be outside doing literally anything else, and watching the clock tick by is something most of us can relate to. This painful environment is the backdrop to director Joachim Back’s satirical workplace comedy CORNER OFFICE, based on the 2015 novel THE CORNER OFFICE by Jonas Karlsson.

Orson (Jon Hamm) has just started a new job at Authority Inc. While settling into his new corporate workplace, he develops an instant distaste for his colleagues and their annoying habits. He finds it difficult to connect with any of his fellow employees, including desk mate Rakesh (Danny Pudi), and this frustrates him as a hard worker and somebody who takes pride in what they do. One day, Orson finds an empty, lavishly furnished and wood-paneled room on his floor, which offers him peace and contentment. In the room and away from all the noise, Orson is able to do his best work, which captures the attention of his boss and increases his status within the hierarchy. His co-workers begin to grow weary of his behaviour, especially because none of them can see Orson’s new office, which they believe doesn’t exist. 

CORNER OFFICE is an absurd dark comedy that offers an intriguing premise and mystery within an ordinary setting. As soon as Orson discovers the room that nobody thinks is real, viewers will be questioning and going back and forth on whether it does exist or is simply a figment of Orson’s imagination. The film’s corporate setting, amplified by dull tones, subdued colours, grey walls and fluorescent lights, perfectly captures the mundane nature of an office environment. The mysterious room Orson seeks refuge is clearly symbolic of mental health and stress in the workplace, which is presented in a thought-provoking manner. Emmy Award-winner Jon Hamm is reliable as always, giving a solid performance and delivering witty narration that puts viewers inside Orson’s head. Sarah Gadon is also captivating as receptionist Alyssa, while COMMUNITY’s Danny Pudi feels underused as Rakesh. 

However, much like a long day at work, CORNER OFFICE seems to drag in its middle section, with many repetitive scenes where not much is happening. It dangerously feels like the drawn-out work day which it is satirizing, which has positive and negative repercussions. While it does feel appropriate due to the topic and tone of the film, it is simultaneously not overly engaging. For a film marketed as a satirical comedy, it could have leaned further into its absurdist elements, as a few more laughs would have made it more entertaining and memorable. Despite the film’s ending revealing whether or not Orson’s room is real, there are still many threads left unanswered, and audiences may be left wanting more.

CORNER OFFICE presents as a good concept that could have been executed better. It would have benefited from being a short film, which perhaps would have been sharper and more impactful in its delivery. However, Hamm is great to watch and the movie is full of fascinating ideas.

“CORNER OFFICE” will be available on DVD and Digital, including APPLE TV, PRIME VIDEO, AND GOOGLE PLAY from 8TH MAY 2024 (Australia & New Zealand*)