The Circle

The Circle

Year: 2017

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: James Ponsoldt

Sci-FiDramaThriller

A young and ambitious woman joins the Circle, a powerful and innovative company, believing in its mission to connect the world. However, she soon discovers a disturbing agenda that jeopardizes individual privacy and global freedom. As she investigates, she must grapple with the ethical implications of technological progress and the blurring lines between innovation and intrusive surveillance, ultimately facing a profound moral dilemma.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Circle (2017)

Trace every key event in The Circle (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Mae Lands Her Job

Mae Holland secures a job at The Circle, a leading tech and social media company, thanks to her friend Annie. Her excitement, however, is mixed with anxiety as she faces a demanding interview and her new workplace's high expectations.

The Circle headquarters
2

Struggling with Job Expectations

Initially, Mae struggles to meet the performance standards set by The Circle, particularly her mid-90s satisfaction scores. Under the guidance of her supervisor, Jared, she learns that adapting will take time, as she is slowly introduced to the company's culture.

The Circle
3

Friendship Tensions with Mercer

Mae's relationship with her lifelong friend Mercer becomes strained as he expresses concern about her new job. Although he secretly harbors feelings for her, he is afraid to confront them and begins to worry about the changes in Mae since joining The Circle.

4

Introduction of SeeChange Technology

At a company meeting, CEO Eamon Bailey reveals the disruptive SeeChange technology, designed to enhance transparency through live video monitoring. This announcement stirs excitement and controversy about privacy and ethics within the company.

The Circle headquarters
5

Mae's Rapid Advancement

Mae rapidly rises through the ranks of The Circle as she fully embraces its culture and policies. She integrates her personal and professional social media, feeling pressure to maintain her public persona and keep her personal life visible.

The Circle
6

Health Monitoring Sensors

As part of her job, Mae is fitted with a health monitoring sensor and wristband, highlighting the invasive nature of The Circle's approach to employee wellness. This development raises concerns for Mae, especially regarding how her employer intrudes into her personal life.

The Circle
7

Increasing Distance from Home

With her growing responsibilities at The Circle, Mae becomes increasingly neglectful of her home life. This becomes painfully clear when Mercer is forced to assist her ailing father, indicating that Mae's commitment to work is taking precedence over her family obligations.

8

Pushing for Transparency

As The Circle promotes extreme measures for safety, Mae finds herself swept up in the firm's ethos of accountability. Her drive for transparency culminates in her decision to share her life through constant video streaming, which deteriorates her most cherished relationships.

The Circle events
9

Tragic Death of Mercer

The pressure of transparency and public scrutiny leads to a horrific outcome when Circle users mistakenly track down Mercer, believing their actions are justified. His tragic death serves as a wake-up call for Mae about the consequences of unchecked technology and societal voyeurism.

10

Mae's Attempt to Reconnect

Devastated by Mercer's death, Mae seeks to reconnect with Annie, who has distanced herself from The Circle. Despite her parents' concerns, Mae clings to the hope that returning to the company will help her process her grief and regain a sense of control.

11

Confrontation with Eamon and Tom

Mae confronts Eamon and Tom, advocating for transparency and rejecting the notion of secrecy. Her boldness leads to a chaotic board meeting where she reveals confidential information, causing embarrassment and disrupting the company’s image.

The Circle boardroom
12

The Shift Towards Empowerment

In a dark auditorium, Mae experiences a transformation, empowered by the support of those who believe in her cause. She reclaims her autonomy against the invasive monitoring of technology, determined not to let the company dictate her life.

The Circle auditorium
13

Return to Kayaking

Emboldened by her conviction against the culture of over-surveillance, Mae resumes kayaking, a hobby she had abandoned. This symbolic act represents her return to a life of personal freedom and the decision to step away from the all-seeing gaze of The Circle.

Kayaking venue

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 12:12

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The Circle Summary

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The Circle Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Circle

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Circle

More About The Circle

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