The Promotion

Doug Stauber works as assistant manager at a Chicago Donaldson’s and struggles with the daily grind. He contends with a gang of teenage loiterers in the lot, negative survey comments, and a nuisance foreign visitor who keeps slapping him with a box of Teddy Grahams. This opening period sets up his ambition to land the new store's manager position.

Richard and his family move in from Quebec, becoming Doug's rival for the manager role. The arrival immediately introduces competition and tension as both men pursue the same promotion. The workplace dynamic shifts from routine to high-stakes maneuvering.

A deli sign proclaims 'Employee of the Month for cutting the cheese,' triggering a public display of contention. Richard takes responsibility for the sign, claiming he was on duty when it went up. He explains that the phrase offended the American audience, highlighting culture-based misunderstandings.

Richard defends his actions by noting the Canadian usage of similar expressions. The debate over language becomes a flashpoint in the rivalry, exposing cracks in both men's professional façades. The incident marks a turning point toward a more personal feud.

Doug faces financial pressure as he edges toward buying a house, raising the stakes of the promotion. His wife Jen considers night classes to improve their situation. The looming promotion complicates their marriage and future plans.

Richard's wife Laurie and their daughter move back to Scotland, leaving him to juggle work and home alone. The long-distance strain mirrors the professional stress pushing both men toward a breaking point. His situation compounds the rivalry's intensity.

Doug is struck on the head by a Yoo-hoo bottle hurled by a gang member while assisting a customer. In retaliation, he confronts the gang and sprays mace. The incident intensifies the board's scrutiny and the public's perception.

Doug, furious at the ongoing chaos, throws frozen Tater Tots toward the trash can and accidentally hits Richard’s hand. Richard then fakes an injury by wearing a wrist brace at work. The missteps deepen the personal feud between them.

Doug attempts to regain control by delivering an apology speech at a local community gathering. He frames the message around a hopeful note that a beautiful day should not be spoiled by bad apples. The event earns him community respect and shifts the narrative slightly.

Richard refers to the gang with the troubling line 'black apples,' inflaming tensions further. The remark underscores how both men’s reputations are scrutinized by the community and board. It signals that the rivalry is entering a more dangerous phase.

A final round of interviews is held, with a decisive drug test revealing marijuana use by Richard. The test outcome clears Doug while leaving the board to judge the remaining candidate's fit. The moment crystallizes the competition as a test of character and luck.

Doug lands the manager position following Richard's failed drug test and the perception that the remaining candidate is too junior. The victory is celebrated publicly with cartwheels and backflips in the street, a nod to rumors of his athletic past. The decision marks a personal and professional turning point.

Doug returns home to begin leading with renewed hope, while Richard returns to Quebec. Rumors suggest he stopped a dangerous fire and may have started it himself, leaving questions about luck, fate, and rival destinies. The film ends on a quiet note of reflection about ambition and consequence.