Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Horror satire with graphic violence and lots of language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Mill
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE MILL, Joe (Lil Rel Howery), a manager at Mallard, a huge corporation inspired by Amazon, Google, Apple, and others, wakes up in a mysterious cell where he's forced to push a grist mill in order to meet a daily quota. If he fails to meet it, he's at risk of being killed. He soon learns he's been sent there by Mallard itself, in hopes of improving his work performance, leading Joe to reexamine his whole life.
Is It Any Good?
It was about time Lil Rel Howery got the leading role he deserved since his scene-stealing role in Get Out. And while he shines in a dramatic role with hints of very dark comedy in The Mill, the film isn't entirely worthy of its leading man. Directed by Sean King O'Grady, from a screenplay by Jeffrey David Thomas, the film attempts to satirize the current state of American corporate labor, where employees are pitted against each other in order to justify profit, often forgetting the humanity of the people involved.
As Joe, Howery captivates viewers' attention (although it might be hard for younger viewers to remain interested in a mostly one-setting film) through his charm, perfect delivery, and emotional engagement. But the film's message becomes diluted and harrowing to absorb by the fact we're watching a Black man being tortured for being too good at what he does. Well-done horror satire is a delicate tightrope to walk across, and The Mill is always on the brink of falling into the void.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of not giving your job more attention and energy than you're being paid for. Is it worth it to devote yourself to a company or organization that won't always have your back?
What could the employer have done to get better results besides punishing an employee?
As we're constantly surrounded by smart devices that take note of our interests in order to sell us products later on, how important is it for you to allow yourself moments without any digital presence? How much time are you dedicating to activities not involving technology?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 9, 2023
- Cast : Lil Rel Howery , Pat Healy , Karen Obilom
- Director : Sean King O'Grady
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Hulu
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 18, 2023
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