The Assistant

Many predict that Julia Garner (Ozark) will receive an Oscar nomination for her role in The Assistant, the first feature by Kitty Green. Garner plays the personal assistant to a tycoon from the entertainment world whose face is never revealed but whose character is inspired by Harvey Weinstein. There is nothing glamorous or rewarding in her work, but everyone makes a point of reminding her that anyone with aspirations in the industry would "kill" for her job. Over a period of 24 hours, we are witness to her toxic and repressive work environment. With great intelligence and admirable cinematic restraint, the director succeeds in conveying an unbearable reality, one that is still the center of an ongoing battle.