The Circle Movie Review and 9 Interesting Facts
“The Circle” is a tech-thriller that explores the unsettling impact of technology on privacy and society. Directed by James Ponsoldt, the film stars Emma Watson as Mae Holland, a young woman who finds herself grappling with ethical dilemmas while navigating her role at a powerful tech company, The Circle. Filled with tension and thought-provoking moments, this movie pulls viewers into a world so advanced and tech-reliant that it’s eerily familiar to our own.
But before you hit play on this thriller—available on Amazon Prime Video—let’s dive into a review of the key themes, strengths, and surprises this movie has to offer.
The Circle Movie Review: The Plot of “The Circle“
Emma Watson plays Mae, a character who is initially thrilled when she snags her dream job at the sleek and ultra-innovative tech giant, The Circle. The company runs on one big idea: transparency. They work to eliminate privacy under the guise of improving life and society. As Mae climbs the corporate ladder, she begins to enjoy the perks: social popularity, cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities for career growth.
However, all is not as perfect as it seems. Soon, Mae finds herself trapped in a corporate culture that emphasizes invasive surveillance in exchange for supposed “safety.” Over time, Mae becomes part of an experiment where her every move is broadcast online, and she can’t turn back. What initially seemed innovative now seems dangerous, as Mae realizes that sacrificing personal privacy has severe consequences—not just for her, but for society at large. As the lines between private moments and corporate control blur, the enormity of The Circle’s control is fully revealed.
Tech, Privacy, and Social Media—The Heart of “The Circle”
At first glance, “The Circle” feels like a glimpse into a terrifying future. But is it really the future? Or is it just an exaggerated version of what’s already happening? The major themes of the movie connect straight to the world we live in today.
When Mae starts the film, she’s bright-eyed and filled with ambition, like many people starting their dream jobs in tech industries. But what happens when you trade that ambition for ethics? The company she works for has a simple mission: everyone can live better, safer lives with zero privacy. It sounds crazy, but it taps into a conversation that’s all too real—especially when government agencies, social media giants, and even schools call for more surveillance.
The movie brilliantly tackles three main themes:
1. Privacy Invasion
Most of us check our phones or post online daily without thinking about who’s watching, what info we’re giving away, or how it’s being used. But “The Circle” takes this seemingly harmless practice and blows it up. Mae, once a nobody, becomes a pawn in a global game where privacy is the price of fame and advancement.
The scariest part is how normalized it becomes for her—and everyone else.
2. Constant Technological Surveillance
“The Circle” shows how powerful technologies can be misused. The company’s motto is simple: “Knowing is good. Knowing everything is better.” This leads to an unsettling scenario where every member of The Circle is being watched all the time. From cameras that track their movements to data mining their every digital step, it’s a chilling metaphor for what’s already happening with social media algorithms, phone tracking, and data collection.
You start wondering: Are we also like the characters in “The Circle” without even realizing it?
3. The Role of Social Media
In a social media-driven world, what happens when everyone’s life becomes a performance? “The Circle” argues that even the most personal moments can be commodified, shared, and scored for likes. Mae becomes a puppet, losing her sense of self as she’s forced to account for her every thought and action to the public. It opens up a tough question: Is fame worth the cost of your identity and privacy?
The Circle Movie Review: What Makes “The Circle” So Gripping?
The film’s biggest strength, beyond the storyline, is its ability to induce a sense of unease. From the moment Mae sets foot in the shiny, pristine offices of The Circle, something just feels off. The overly friendly coworkers, the utopian environment, and the constant praise from upper management slowly build tension. You know something is wrong, even if it takes a while to put your finger on it.
Emma Watson’s Powerful Performance
Watson captures Mae’s character evolution excellently—from wide-eyed newcomer to someone morally uncertain about her decisions. Her initial enthusiasm mirrors how most of us would act in her shoes, ecstatic to work for a prestigious company with groundbreaking technology. But as she grows disillusioned, her turmoil feels deeply real. Watson’s portrayal keeps the audience emotionally connected throughout the fear-inducing ride.
A Cautionary Tale for the Digital Age
Make no mistake, “The Circle” is more than just a sci-fi thriller. It’s a cautionary tale. With every passing scene, the film makes us question our reliance on technology and social media. Are we becoming too dependent on these digital tools for connection, validation, and even safety? What could happen if tech giants had no checks and balances in place?
The film forces us to ask hard questions:
- Is privacy an outdated concept?
- What are the risks of living in a fully transparent society?
- How does social media manipulate us into giving away far more than we realize?
By the time the end credits roll, you’ll be left thinking long and hard about your own digital footprint.
How “The Circle” Mirrors Real-World Companies
The Circle company depicted in the film shares uncanny similarities with some of the most influential real-life tech corporations we know today—namely Google and Facebook. The way the company operates, with seemingly good intentions but underlying darker motives, reflects current concerns in our actual world.
Think about it: Google knows more about us than our families sometimes do, and Facebook has faced criticism over privacy scandals time and again. These companies thrive on our data, and the more data we provide, the more they profit. “The Circle” uses this idea, heightening it until it almost hits too close to home.
9 Interesting Facts About “The Circle”
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get into some behind-the-scenes details you might not know about:
- Book Adaptation: The film is based on Dave Eggers’ 2013 novel, also titled The Circle. The book was a bestseller and sparked numerous debates about privacy and technology, laying the foundation for the movie’s focus.
- Tom Hanks as a Villain: This is one of the few films where Tom Hanks plays a more sinister character. His portrayal of Eamon Bailey brings a whole new layer to the movie as the likable but manipulative CEO of The Circle.
- Filming Locations: Much of the movie was filmed in Silicon Valley. The tech-heavy backdrop added realism and gave it an authentic corporate feel.
- Emma Watson Almost Backed Out: Due to conflicting schedules, Watson nearly turned down the role of Mae, but production rearranged shooting to accommodate her.
- Tech Consultants: The filmmakers worked with actual technology experts to create gadgets and services that The Circle offers in the movie. Some devices were based on existing tech developments.
- Filming Tech: The small cameras shown in the film (used to track Mae) were created using real, functioning prototypes of modern surveillance tools.
- Critical Reception: Despite mixed reviews, The Circle has developed a dedicated following. Its topics resonate with viewers who appreciate tech-driven thrillers.
- Stunts and Injuries: Emma Watson performed many of her own stunts during the more intense scenes, reportedly injuring herself a few times during production.
- Real-World Tech Parallels: Some of the advanced tech in the film isn’t as far-fetched as you’d think. Various real-world companies and governments are already exploring surveillance systems nearly identical to those in the movie.
Final Thoughts on “The Circle”
Overall, The Circle makes a strong case for why we need to be cautious about the unchecked power of technology, fame, and social media. Sure, technology has given us great conveniences and made life easier in lots of ways. But at what cost? How much is too much when it comes to transparency?
This thriller doesn’t let you shake these thoughts easily. After all, what happens in the movie doesn’t feel all that impossible—it feels like a warning.
For those who enjoy dystopian plots that dive deep into tech-driven narratives, The Circle offers the perfect balance of excitement and unease. It’s a film that will linger in your thoughts long after the closing credits, prompting conversation about where our own society is headed.
Where to Watch
You can stream The Circle now on Amazon Prime Video. If you like films that mix tension, drama, and thought-provoking questions about the role of technology, this one’s for you.
Did you like The Circle? How did you feel about Mae’s journey and the film’s message? Feel free to share your thoughts. I’d love to hear what you think about its depiction of privacy, tech, and surveillance.
