Clockwatchers (1994)

A delectable timeless time capsule of ennui that, in keeping with its own themes, was elided over the years — even to me, the person who knows everything about anything, ya dig. Toni Collette is Iris, a temp among fellow temps played by Parker Posey, Lisa Kudrow, and Alanna Eubach. The four form an early friendship, the bright spots in a dull place. Each woman has her own personal style that evokes a complex life beyond the office as opposed to an archetype: they repeat clothes, they have favored silhouettes, they take pride in what they wear because sometimes that’s the best part of the day. Eventually, though, the centrifugal force of the corporate workplace wears each of them down; someone is stealing in the office and everyone is suspicious of the stylish young women that have more hope than the rest of them. Paranoia sets in, and the group friendship all but dissolves; Iris becomes suspicious of the affable and idiosyncratic Margaret, Paula’s peculiar lies become apparent, and Jane visibly unravels. The audience is forced to endure the endless days of a boring desk job. Iris’ realization that inertia can be permanent gives her a spark of energy, though her innocence is gone. Iris wears red lipstick and sunglasses to mimic Margaret, the girl that taught her a certain way to be, for strength. The temps float out and away, and Iris is left to reshuffle again, make new sense of herself. — Delighter #19