Year: 2019
Runtime: 86 min
Language: English
Director: Patrick Brice
During a team-building retreat in a New Mexico cave, Lucy, a demanding executive, and her employees find themselves trapped after a sudden collapse. As they struggle to survive alongside their inexperienced guide, Brandon, the group must confront their own shortcomings and Lucy's controlling nature. Freddie and Jess are among those battling to escape the dangerous, underground maze, facing both physical peril and the complexities of their working relationships.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Corporate Animals (2019), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Lucy, portrayed by Demi Moore, is the self-absorbed CEO of Incredible Edibles, the leading provider of edible cutlery in America. With her unyielding management style, she leads her team, which includes her beleaguered assistants, Freddie played by Karan Soni and Jess portrayed by Jessica Williams, on a corporate team-building expedition in New Mexico. Both Freddie and Jess believe they are contenders for a much-coveted promotion to VP. However, Lucy makes a surprising change to their plans: after initially suggesting they follow an easier hiking path, she opts for a challenging trek against the advice of their guide, Brandon played by Ed Helms.
As the group sets off, various tensions simmer beneath the surface. Aidan, the intern played by Calum Worthy, faces embarrassment after an accident, while Suzy, portrayed by Nasim Pedrad, is paralyzed by fear and pleads not to take part in the rigorous hike. May, played by Jennifer Kim, recently took over accounting but is struggling, prompting gentle nudges from Gloria played by Martha Kelly.
As troubles escalate, disaster strikes when an earthquake traps them underground, leading to the death of their guide, Brandon, when the only exit collapses. With little food and dwindling water supplies, tensions mount. Billy, played by Dan Bakkedahl, becomes wrathful over his water rations being squandered, while Lucy assures the group help is imminent, even as reality sets in.
Day by day, their situation grows desperate. The group’s firsthand experiences with Lucy’s ruthless leadership cause discord, leading Jess and Freddie to confront her about their floundering accounts and lack of trust. Tensions peak when they consider the unthinkable—dining on their deceased guide, Brandon—causing a heated debate among the team until they ultimately decide to go through with it, unearthing haunting truths in the process, such as Lucy hoarding a part of Brandon for herself.
With each passing day, the group’s condition worsens, health deteriorates, and Lucy’s instability intensifies. Conflict erupts as they uncover Lucy’s motives, realizing she hired them purely as part of an affirmative action initiative. An attempt to unify the team resurfaces, leading them to collaborate against Lucy to survive.
On days 9 and 10, the group faces pivotal moments that spiral into a raging fight for survival. Lucy’s injury on a rock inflames the already simmering tension, prompting Jess to galvanize the others for a collective stand against her. As they reclaim their power and ultimately decide to keep their dark secrets hidden, they craft a fabricated narrative for the press, claiming a rock fell on Lucy in her sleep, ensuring their sordid adventure stays buried along with Lucy.
Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:45
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