Year: 2016
Runtime: 87 min
Language: English
Director: Logan Kibens
During a zombie outbreak that threatens global order, a self-absorbed call center employee faces an existential crisis compounded by a recent breakup. He must confront his own detachment and prioritize survival as the world descends into chaos, struggling to find meaning and purpose amidst the apocalyptic events unfolding around him.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Operator yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Operator (2016), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In an effort to reduce expenses, the health company Welltrix decides to automate its customer service operations, which brings predictability but unfortunately eliminates the roles of human operators. Joe, portrayed by Martin Starr, is the programmer tasked with developing a voice simulation software for this purpose. However, a significant challenge arises as the script created by the software development team fails to incorporate any sense of empathy, making it less effective.
Fortunately, Joe’s wife, Emily, played by Mae Whitman, works as a concierge at a bustling Chicago hotel named the Parkside. Her daily interactions with hotel guests provide the perfect insight that Welltrix desperately needs. When Joe approaches her with the request to record her voice for his ‘answering machine/customer service representative’, she readily agrees, using her customer service expertise to infuse a touch of humanity into the script.
As their lives progress, everything appears to be functioning smoothly until Joe grows increasingly infatuated with his work. He finds himself deriving more satisfaction from interacting with his simulated wife than with Emily herself. This realization dawns on Emily, and the tension mounts, ultimately leading to their separation.
During their time apart, Emily pours herself into her passion for improv theatre, immersing herself in her performances while Joe reflects on the consequences of his choices. Eventually, he misses the real Emily and decides to attend one of her shows. In a poignant moment, Joe takes the stage and candidly admits his mistakes, expressing how much he longs for her. The film culminates in a heart-wrenching uncertainty, leaving audiences to ponder whether they will reunite or drift further apart.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:45
Don't stop at just watching — explore Operator 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 Operator is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Operator with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Operator that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Operator (2016) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Operator (2016) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Operator – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Occupant (2020) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Mother/Android (2021) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Apples (2022) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Awake (2019) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Pod Generation (2023) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Zoe (2018) Story Summary & Characters
Dawn of the Dead (2004) Movie Recap & Themes
Awake (2021) Full Movie Breakdown
Blank (2022) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Jonathan (2018) Full Summary & Key Details
Pandemic (2016) Movie Recap & Themes
Zoo (2018) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Extract (2009) Detailed Story Recap
Cellular (2004) Detailed Story Recap
Survive the Game (2021) Plot Summary & Ending Explained