The Circle

Mae is stuck in a boring job when she receives an unexpected call from her enthusiastic friend Annie Allerton. This conversation ignites a flicker of hope in Mae, prompting her to reconsider her career path.

Eager for a change, Mae accepts a position in Customer Experience at The Circle, the tech giant where Annie works. Her primary focus is providing top-notch support to users, while maintaining a favorable rating.

During a major company meeting, Eamon Bailey unveils SeeChange, a revolutionary initiative designed to enhance transparency. The project involves installing discreet cameras worldwide, allowing real-time video feeds and altering societal interactions.

At a vibrant party on The Circle's campus, Mae connects with her friend Annie and learns about the social dynamics shaping the company. Here, Mae witnesses the powerful influence Eamon and Tom Stenton wield over The Circle's employees.

While mingling at the party, Mae meets a thoughtful coworker known as a 'guppy' who introduces her to a secret drink. Their conversation is abruptly cut short by a mysterious phone notification that leaves Mae pondering her enigmatic coworker Ty Lafite.

Mae enjoys a lively BBQ with her family, but the gathering is overshadowed by her father's ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis. Her parents express hope for rekindling connections, particularly with Mercer's work involving deer antlers.

Upon returning to The Circle, Mae finds herself under the scrutiny of her colleagues who delve into her social media presence. Their awareness of her family situation motivates Mae to engage with The Circle’s networking tools even more fervently.

As Mae attends a pivotal presentation on transparency, she encounters Ty in the audience. This moment triggers a series of events that challenge her perception of privacy, pushing her further into The Circle's culture.

An exclusive gathering leads Ty to expose the hidden, darker side of The Circle’s all-encompassing transparency. Mae is left shocked, needing to reassess her values and the company's true intentions amidst the façade.

During a moment of reflection, Mae takes a kayak into the night, which plunges into chaos when it capsizes. The rescue, captured by SeeChange cameras, becomes a monumental moment, highlighting the dangers of constant scrutiny.

Following her kayak ordeal, Mae faces Eamon and Tom, discussing her mistaken beliefs about privacy. This honest conversation leads to a bigger dialogue about the burdens of surveillance and the freedom it promises.

Mae opts to surrender her life to the surveillance of SeeChange, a decision that shocks her friend Annie. This choice sets into motion further tensions, emphasizing the demand for openness within The Circle's work environment.

As the implications of her decision weigh on her, Mae finds herself pained by the hidden footage of her family's private moments. This revelation creates a rift between her and her parents, leading to feelings of guilt and regret.

During a public demonstration of The Circle's tracking capabilities, Mae inadvertently causes the tragic death of Mercer, who becomes overwhelmed by the real-time tracking. This devastating turn of events profoundly impacts her understanding of the consequences of technology.

In a company meeting, Mae confronts the shocking truths revealed by Ty, laying bare the hidden secrets of The Circle. Her unwavering commitment to honesty garners applause but also hints at a forthcoming unraveling of the organization she once admired.

Emerging from the chaos, Mae learns that true freedom lies in accepting the complexities of life and relationships. This journey leaves her with a significant realization about the importance of genuine connections in an era defined by transparency.