Clockwatchers

Iris enters the dull environment of the credit company as a timid temp. Despite the mundane tasks, she holds onto hope for something better while navigating the corporate landscape.

Iris meets the bold and supportive Margaret, who becomes her mentor in the challenging corporate maze. Together, they develop a bond that provides Iris with the encouragement she desperately needs.

Iris and Margaret are joined by two other temps, Paula and Jane. Paula's aspirations for acting and Jane's upcoming wedding add dynamic tension to their group, emphasizing their varied dreams amid the corporate grind.

The arrival of a new temp named Cleo stirs the workplace when she quickly secures a permanent position. Her sudden success creates a ripple of envy and sparks ambition in the others, particularly Margaret.

The unexpected death of Mr. Lasky upends Margaret's aspirations to become his executive assistant. This event marks a significant turning point in the dynamic among the temps, pushing them closer together.

As strange thefts occur in the office, suspicion arises among the temps, particularly aimed at Margaret and her friends. These events strain their relationships and deepen the atmosphere of distrust.

Iris is devastated when her beloved plastic toy monkey goes missing, only to find it in Margaret's desk drawer later. This incident shakes her trust in Margaret and leads to personal conflict over her judgment.

Jane faces heartbreak when she discovers her fiancé with another woman. Despite their individual troubles, Iris and Margaret choose to support each other and remain uninvolved in Jane's crisis.

In an emotional moment in the bathroom, Paula reveals her struggles to Iris. This raw exchange underscores the complexities of their friendship and the burden each temp bears in the oppressive work environment.

Margaret takes a stand against the unfair treatment of temps by initiating a strike, but she finds herself alone in her conviction. Her confrontation with Barbara, the head of human resources, leads to her dismissal.

After Margaret's dismissal, Iris reflects on their experiences and realizes her wrongful accusations regarding the stolen monkey. This moment of clarity brings a sense of remorse and a deeper understanding of their friendship.

Iris notes the shifting relationships among the temps as she changes desks. Reflecting on her memories, she discards a photograph that symbolizes the bond she once shared with her friends.

Iris catches Cleo stealing from a senior executive's office, leading her to conduct her own surveillance. This discovery of Cleo's lavish lifestyle starkly contrasts with their temp struggles and raises questions about loyalty.

During a confrontation, Cleo attempts to placate Iris by returning a stolen notebook. However, Iris's growing anger leads her to destroy the notebook's contents, marking a pivotal moment in her personal journey.

Determined to break free from the constraints of her temp job, Iris resolves to leave the credit company. On her final day, she arranges for a letter of recommendation in Margaret's name, symbolizing her growth and newfound independence.