The Circle (2017)

The Circle had a solid premise with relevant themes about privacy, surveillance, and corporate power, but it never fully delivered on its potential. The plot starts strong, setting up an intriguing world and characters, but the pacing feels off. It spends too much time in the setup and then rushes through key developments, making the shift into the main conflict feel unbalanced. The directing is straightforward but lacks tension, which makes scenes that should be gripping feel flat. Visually, the cinematography is clean and polished, reflecting the sleek, tech-driven setting, but it doesn’t do much beyond that to enhance the storytelling. The acting is decent, with Emma Watson delivering a capable performance, though at times she feels a bit restrained. Tom Hanks is solid as always, but his character isn't given much depth. The script is where the movie really struggles. It introduces big ideas but never explores them in a meaningful way, instead leaning into melodrama without the payoff. The score is functional but forgettable, failing to add any real weight to the narrative. Overall, it’s a movie with a lot of potential that ends up feeling more like a missed opportunity than a thought-provoking thriller.

There are some shows that have a character for exposition. Velma in Scooby Doo comes to mind, and it is their job to summarize the plot points that the viewer has missed. This is a movie filled with Velmas. Everyone gives a little exposition, everyone has a lecture. And no one seems real because of it. The characters, good or bad, all sound scripted and monotoned. It hurts to watch it.

**Despite a message film, an average!** A book based film. Pretty much set in the present world scenario. The world where the internet, the social media is controlling people. If any revolution must take place, that's none other place than the virtual world. So a young woman who worked hard to get a job in a leading tech company, starts her life anew. At one end, aged and seriously ill parents, and the other end, making an unexpected leap in the workplace lead her to be a celebrity overnight. But it's only going to change her life forever, but how is to know, one must watch the film. It was an Emma Watson's film. Tom Hanks was is an important role, but Watson led the show. Nice theme, but predictable storyline. I indeed guessed the end, which spoiled my watch. Slightly an awareness film too. Not all the technology can make life better, but sometimes opposite. Particularly, the film highlighted the privacy issue, how important it is for everyone. And at a same time, transparency too can bring a major change in society. But it all depends on the people and their professions. Surely not to be missed, despite you enjoy it or dislike it. **6/10**