Is How To Get Ahead Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2021, How To Get Ahead represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Rachel, a glamorous and affluent woman, dangles a boutique bag on her arm as she approaches her husband, Mr Daniels office. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Rachel, a glamorous and affluent woman, dangles a boutique bag on her arm as she approaches her husband, Mr Daniels office. A few moments later, a low-level account manager, Connor, walks in from his lunch break. Noticing Rachel sitting there, he studies her legs, fingers, cleavage, and lips, fixating on her. His expression darkens as he works up a scheme in his head - Rachel's going to give Connor what he wants - and her husband's going to watch every second of it... Alyssa receives a phone call from her estranged stepfather, Darryl. This makes Alyssa suspicious, because they haven't spoken since her other parent's death. Darryl tells her that he'll be involved in her life if she gives him what he wants... Alyssa is shocked but desperate for family, so she agrees... But is this really the kind of familial connection that SHE wants?"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Korra Del Rio, the performance in How To Get Ahead feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Bree Mills is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 86 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is How To Get Ahead truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, How To Get Ahead explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Bree Mills respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, How To Get Ahead is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Korra Del Rio or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, How To Get Ahead is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.