When experienced advertising executive Graham Marshall loses out on a promotion to a young man, he goes down in a path of vengeance.
A mild-mannered advertising executive, Graham Stimson, believes his career is stagnant. When his younger, more ambitious colleague, Robert, is promoted over him, Graham's simmering resentment boils over into a violent act. Fearing repercussions, he concocts an elaborate cover-up, pulling his wife and others into his increasingly desperate scheme. The film follows his descent into paranoia and criminal activity as he tries to maintain his facade.
A Shock to the System received a mixed to positive reception from critics. While some praised Michael Keaton's performance and the dark comedic elements, others found the plot predictable and the tonal shifts jarring. Audiences were generally divided, with some appreciating the satirical edge and others finding the violence and moral ambiguity unsettling.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's suspenseful elements and Michael Keaton's central performance, often highlighting the dark humor. However, some reviewers found the premise a bit convoluted and the ending less satisfying.
During the filming of the scene where Graham throws his colleague out the window, a dummy was used, but Michael Keaton still performed the stunt of pushing the dummy, ensuring a realistic impact.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
