Year: 1990
Runtime: 88 min
Language: English
Director: Jan Egleson
Having reached what he believed was the pinnacle of his career, corporate executive Graham Marshall finds himself abruptly falling from grace. Stripped of his position and facing unexpected personal challenges, he uncovers a disturbing truth about the forces that undermined him. Determined to reclaim his standing and settle the score, Graham embarks on a humorous and vengeful quest to even the playing field.
Get a spoiler-free look at A Shock to the System (1990) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a glossy metropolis where advertising agencies shape not just brands but the very rhythm of daily life, the world of corporate ambition is a high‑speed carousel of slogans, power lunches, and relentless competition. The film paints this landscape with a sly, almost satirical brush, letting the city’s polished façades reveal the uneasy tension beneath. Humor slips through the cracks of every boardroom, suggesting that even the most polished veneer can harbor a darker, more impulsive edge.
Graham Marshall is the quintessential executive: charismatic, razor‑sharp, and convinced he has finally reached the summit of his career. At home his marriage to Leslie teeters between affection and the strain of unchecked expectations, while his professional circle includes the eager up‑and‑comer Bob Benham and the long‑standing ally George Brewster. When an unexpected setback rattles his carefully built empire, the loss feels less like a corporate reshuffle and more like a personal affront, shaking the foundations of his identity.
The disappointment ignites a subtle but relentless shift in Graham’s demeanor. Gone is the carefree confidence; in its place emerges a calculated resolve to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. The tone pivots toward a darkly comic quest, where the line between strategic maneuvering and personal vendetta begins to blur. His wit becomes a weapon, and the corporate playground transforms into a chessboard where every move carries both irony and menace.
As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into a world where ambition, ego, and humor collide. The mood balances razor‑sharp satire with a growing sense of suspense, leaving viewers to wonder just how far a man will go when his polished exterior cracks and his desire for redemption turns into an increasingly audacious pursuit.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:37
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Ordary professionals who turn calculated murder into a business strategy.If you liked A Shock to the System, you'll find similar films here where ambitious professionals turn to murder. These movies feature cynical characters who use their business savvy for deadly revenge, creating a unique blend of corporate thriller and dark comedy.
These narratives typically follow a seemingly ordinary individual who, feeling cornered or betrayed by their professional world, begins a calculated campaign of violence. The plot unfolds as a series of strategic moves, where each murder is a step up the ladder, often complicated by an impending investigation and the protagonist's own psychological unraveling.
Movies are grouped here based on the shared core premise of a professional's transformation into a killer. They share a cynical tone, a steady, methodical pace reflecting the protagonist's planning, and a darkly humorous take on the brutal logic of ambition.
Stories where crime and humor meet in a bleak, morally ambiguous world.Fans of A Shock to the System will enjoy this selection of films that blend crime thriller elements with dark humor. These stories share a cynical view of human nature and a satirical edge, often following characters who navigate morally bankrupt worlds with ruthless pragmatism.
The narrative pattern involves a central character, often an anti-hero, engaging in criminal activities that are treated with a mix of seriousness and absurdity. The plot balances tension and danger with moments of macabre wit, leading to an ending that is frequently ambiguous or bleak, emphasizing the futility or irony of the character's actions.
These films are grouped by their distinctive tonal blend of darkness and humor. They share a cynical sensibility, a steady pacing that allows for both tension and wit, and a focus on characters whose moral compass is broken, making their violent journeys perversely amusing.
Don't stop at just watching — explore A Shock to the System in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Shock to the System is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of A Shock to the System, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of A Shock to the System with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A Shock to the System. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Shock to the System: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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