The Promotion 2023

Doug Stauber is the assistant manager of a branch of Donaldson’s, a Chicago-based supermarket chain. He believes he is a shoo-in for the manager position at a new Donaldson’s slated to open just a few blocks from his home. Each day brings mounting pressure: an unruly gang of teenagers loitering in the parking lot, a flood of negative comments on customer survey cards largely driven by the gang’s antics, and a foreign customer who repeatedly slaps him over a box of Teddy Grahams. To complicate matters, rumors spread that he once won medals in the Junior Olympics gymnastics. Then the door opens for a new rival—Richard Wehlner and his family move in from Quebec, and he steps into the role of assistant manager alongside Doug.

As the two vie for the promotion, it becomes clear that Richard Wehlner carries his own baggage: a past substance abuse problem and a tendency to make blunt, inappropriate remarks. A flashpoint comes when the board of directors challenges them over a sign in the deli section that celebrates the clerk as Employee of the Month for “cutting the cheese.” Richard admits he was manager on duty when the sign was discovered and defends himself by claiming that he didn’t realize the phrase could offend the American public, insisting that Canadians say “cracking the cheese.” The rivalry strains both men’s marriages—Doug faces financial pressure to land the job so he can afford a new house, while his wife Jen considers night classes to improve her prospects. Richard’s wife Laurie and their daughter move temporarily back to Scotland with her parents as Richard’s behavior grows more erratic.

Tensions escalate one day in the parking lot when a Yoo-hoo bottle is hurled at Doug, knocking him to the ground. In response, he confronts the gang and uses mace in what he sees as self-defense. The friction continues in the break room, where Doug, in a moment of anger, launches some frozen Tater Tots toward the trash can and accidentally strikes Richard’s hand; Richard pretends to be hurt and starts wearing a wrist brace at work. A few days later, Doug delivers a heartfelt apology speech at a local community meeting, explaining his actions and earning the respect of the neighborhood by insisting that a beautiful day should not be spoiled by a few “bad apples.”

The directors convene again for a final interview, where the question of a drug test comes into play for both finalists. Richard’s recent marijuana use comes to light, and he fails the test. Doug, meanwhile, is chosen for the position because the third candidate is deemed too junior for the role. The moment is celebrated with Doug performing cartwheels and backflips as he crosses the street, a humorous capstone to the long rivalry and the rumor about his gymnastics past.

Meanwhile, Richard reconciles with his wife and family and returns to Quebec. Back home, he reportedly becomes a store manager after a dramatic, rumored incident where he stops an accidental fire—an event that circulates as a rumor about his actions. The story closes on a note of renewed beginnings and the ongoing tug-of-war between ambition, family, and personal responsibility.