Corporate Animals 2019
Directed by
Patrick Brice
Made by
Screen Media Films
Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Corporate Animals (2019). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Lucy, portrayed by Demi Moore, is the self-absorbed CEO of Incredible Edibles, the leading provider of edible cutlery in America. With her unyielding management style, she leads her team, which includes her beleaguered assistants, Freddie played by Karan Soni and Jess portrayed by Jessica Williams, on a corporate team-building expedition in New Mexico. Both Freddie and Jess believe they are contenders for a much-coveted promotion to VP. However, Lucy makes a surprising change to their plans: after initially suggesting they follow an easier hiking path, she opts for a challenging trek against the advice of their guide, Brandon played by Ed Helms.
As the group sets off, various tensions simmer beneath the surface. Aidan, the intern played by Calum Worthy, faces embarrassment after an accident, while Suzy, portrayed by Nasim Pedrad, is paralyzed by fear and pleads not to take part in the rigorous hike. May, played by Jennifer Kim, recently took over accounting but is struggling, prompting gentle nudges from Gloria played by Martha Kelly.
As troubles escalate, disaster strikes when an earthquake traps them underground, leading to the death of their guide, Brandon, when the only exit collapses. With little food and dwindling water supplies, tensions mount. Billy, played by Dan Bakkedahl, becomes wrathful over his water rations being squandered, while Lucy assures the group help is imminent, even as reality sets in.
Day by day, their situation grows desperate. The group’s firsthand experiences with Lucy’s ruthless leadership cause discord, leading Jess and Freddie to confront her about their floundering accounts and lack of trust. Tensions peak when they consider the unthinkable—dining on their deceased guide, Brandon—causing a heated debate among the team until they ultimately decide to go through with it, unearthing haunting truths in the process, such as Lucy hoarding a part of Brandon for herself.
With each passing day, the group’s condition worsens, health deteriorates, and Lucy’s instability intensifies. Conflict erupts as they uncover Lucy’s motives, realizing she hired them purely as part of an affirmative action initiative. An attempt to unify the team resurfaces, leading them to collaborate against Lucy to survive.
On days 9 and 10, the group faces pivotal moments that spiral into a raging fight for survival. Lucy’s injury on a rock inflames the already simmering tension, prompting Jess to galvanize the others for a collective stand against her. As they reclaim their power and ultimately decide to keep their dark secrets hidden, they craft a fabricated narrative for the press, claiming a rock fell on Lucy in her sleep, ensuring their sordid adventure stays buried along with Lucy.
Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Corporate Animals (2019) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Incredible Edibles Team Building
Lucy, the CEO of Incredible Edibles, leads her team on a corporate team-building expedition in New Mexico. Her choice of activity is meant to foster camaraderie among her beleaguered assistants and interns, setting the stage for intense dynamics.
Change in Hiking Plans
Despite initial plans for an easier hiking path, Lucy opts for a more challenging trek against the advice of their guide, Brandon. This decision introduces tension and anxiety within the group, as they question Lucy's leadership abilities.
Group Tensions Emerge
As the hike begins, personal struggles come to the forefront, including Aidan's embarrassment from an accident and Suzy's fear preventing her from participating. These conflicts hint at the underlying issues among the team members, which start to surface.
Brandon's Fatal Accident
Tragedy strikes when an earthquake traps the group underground, leading to Brandon's death as the only exit collapses. This catastrophic event forces the team into survival mode, intensifying their dire predicament.
Dwindling Supplies Challenge
With scarce food and water supplies, tensions escalate rapidly among the group. Billy's frustration over the possible mismanagement of resources adds to the growing distrust, as Lucy remains optimistic about imminent rescue.
Descent into Desperation
As days pass, their survival situation becomes more desperate, showcasing Lucy's brutal management style. The group struggles with morale and trust, leading Freddie and Jess to confront Lucy about their dire state and their faith in her leadership.
Debate Over Cannibalism
In a shocking turn, the group considers cannibalizing their deceased guide, Brandon, creating a heated debate. This moral quandary exposes the drastic lengths they must contemplate to survive, further intensifying their conflicts.
Lucy’s Hoarding Revealed
As the team wrestles with their grim decision, they discover Lucy has secretly hoarded a part of Brandon for herself. This revelation shatters whatever remaining trust existed, igniting fierce anger and betrayal among the team members.
Health Declines Rapidly
With their health deteriorating due to harsh conditions, the group faces the reality of their situation. Lucy's unstable behavior compounds their problems, pushing the limits of their patience and resilience.
Confronting Lucy
As Lucy's grip on her sanity loosens, the group finally bands together against her oppressive leadership. In a rallying moment, Jess inspires the others to reclaim their power and confront the truths they’ve held back for too long.
Days 9 and 10: Survival Battle
During the critical days 9 and 10, the team’s struggle culminates in a fierce fight for survival. An injury to Lucy further stirs the pot, driving the group to unite against her oppressive rule and fabricate a survival narrative.
Fabricated Press Narrative
In a final act of solidarity, the group crafts a convincing story for the press, claiming that a rock fell on Lucy in her sleep. This decision helps ensure their sordid experiences remain concealed, giving them a sense of reprieve amid chaos.
Characters
Explore all characters from Corporate Animals (2019). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Lucy
Lucy, as the self-absorbed CEO, embodies the darker side of corporate leadership. Her relentless pursuit of success is juxtaposed with her selfish actions that lead her team into dire jeopardy. As the situation deteriorates, her instability becomes increasingly apparent, revealing her flaws and vulnerabilities.
Freddie
Freddie is one of Lucy's beleaguered assistants, caught between ambition and the harsh realities of their survival ordeal. His dedication to the company is challenged as he grapples with Lucy's harsh management style and the breakdown of team cohesion, prompting significant character growth throughout the film.
Jess
Jess serves as a voice of reason amidst chaos, embodying the struggles of navigating workplace politics while confronting survival instincts. Her bravery emerges as she takes a stand against Lucy, uniting the team to reclaim their power, showcasing her strength and resilience.
Brandon
Brandon, the guide, symbolizes the vulnerability of leadership in potentially dangerous situations. His tragic fate underscores the story's tension, as his death becomes a pivotal moment that catalyzes the team's desperate choices. The group's struggle with his loss underscores the gravity of their circumstances.
Setting
Learn where and when Corporate Animals (2019) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The events of the movie unfold in a modern-day corporate setting, where contemporary themes such as workplace dynamics, leadership challenges, and survival instincts collide. The pressures of corporate culture and the urgency of survival highlight the struggles of the characters to adapt and react in extreme circumstances.
Location
New Mexico
New Mexico is known for its diverse landscape, rich culture, and fascinating history. Its stunning deserts and mountainous terrains offer great outdoor adventure opportunities, making it an ideal setting for corporate retreats and team-building exercises. The state's unique charm and allure contrast sharply with the challenges the characters face during their expedition.
Themes
Discover the main themes in Corporate Animals (2019). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Survival
The theme of survival is central to the narrative, as the characters confront extreme adversity when trapped underground. As tensions rise and resources dwindle, they are forced to reevaluate their priorities and relationships. The struggle for survival challenges their morals and reveals darker truths about each character.
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Leadership
Leadership is a significant theme that drives the story, culminating in a critical exploration of authority and decision-making. Lucy's self-absorbed and reckless leadership style creates conflict and dissent among her team. The group’s eventual revolt against her highlights the consequences of poor leadership in a crisis.
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Teamwork
The importance of teamwork is starkly illustrated as the team struggles to navigate both physical and emotional challenges. Initially divided by personal ambitions and fears, they must ultimately unite against a common enemy—Lucy. Their journey becomes a catalyst for transformation and collaboration in the face of dire circumstances.
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