The Industry

Directed by Matt O’Connor

Warning – This review may contain spoilers.

The Industry takes us on a journey with Isadora, an aspiring actress who is thrust into a world of opportunity, but at a potentially devastating cost. I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the decisions she faces, and it paints a haunting picture of the darker side of the entertainment industry. The story explores how ambition and desperation can push someone toward compromising their morals, and it left me thinking about how far someone might go to achieve their dreams.

Matt O’Connor clearly wanted to show the psychological toll that chasing fame can take, and I think he did a great job bringing that vision to life. His direction really conveys the pressure and intensity of the choices the characters are faced with. The idea that success could come with such a sinister price tag was chilling.

From the opening scenes, I was immediately drawn in by the film’s eerie atmosphere. The cinematography and lighting worked together beautifully, especially in capturing Isadora’s emotional journey. Tatum Ponce Langton’s performance as Isadora was powerful—her portrayal of the character’s inner conflict really resonated with me. The supporting cast also stood out, particularly Kristen Marie Jensen as Angela and Dennis Record as Mr. Whiteside, who both brought extra layers of tension to their scenes.

That said, the sound design didn’t work for me as well as the visuals did. The persistent wind noise felt distracting, and I didn’t think the soundtrack fully captured the emotional energy that the scenes were going for. The writing also could have gone a bit deeper to explore the characters and themes, which left some parts of the story feeling a little incomplete.

The cinematography and lighting were definite highlights, bringing a rich atmosphere to the film. Matt O’Connor’s directing choices really helped enhance the mood with some beautifully composed shots. The editing kept the film moving at a good pace, but the sound design, while effective in some moments, could have been more impactful, especially during the key emotional beats.

The Industry is a bold exploration of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of success. While it doesn’t fully flesh out some of its themes, it raises thought-provoking questions about ambition, morality, and the price of fame. It’s a film that will likely spark conversations, especially for those familiar with the darker side of the entertainment world.