As We're Told
"It's simple! We do as we're told." This disconcerting reply comes from a Swedish employment office employee when asked how the country’s most unpopular government agency works. And that’s not all: in this creative documentary, case workers, receptionists and psychologists reveal how the Swedish employment system is failing. They complain about inadequate software and mystifying error messages, excessive caseloads and demoralizing results—on average, each case worker helps just 10 people find work each year, and only one in 10 clients will find a new job. To assure the anonymity of the interviewees, they're all represented by cardboard puppets. Thanks to visible puppeteers, expressive eyes and recognizable gestures, these puppets quickly take on the appearance of real people. The result is a fascinating, comical and artistic study of human strategies to get along in an irrational bureaucracy.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the heart of Manhattan, a young woman navigates a precarious existence, caught between the allure of high fashion and the harsh realities of sex work. As she forms complex relationships and grapples with her identity, she seeks a path toward stability and self-discovery amidst the city's glittering yet unforgiving landscape.
Critical Reception
As We're Told received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising its raw portrayal of its protagonist's struggles and its atmospheric depiction of New York City. However, some critics found the narrative to be somewhat unfocused, leading to a less impactful viewing experience.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gritty authenticity and unflinching look at marginalized lives.
- Admired for its strong lead performance and stylistic direction.
- Criticized by some for a meandering plot that lacked a clear throughline.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'As We're Told' is not readily available or aggregated in a way that allows for a distinct summary of audience sentiment.
Fun Fact
The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018.
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