Landline

In the satirical comedy film Landline, Ted Gout, a public relations executive in his mid-30s, finds himself at a crossroads in his life and career. The turning point comes when he's denied a long-coveted promotion at the advertising agency where he works - a position that was ultimately handed over to a charismatic young upstart named Adam, straight out of college. Adam's meteoric ascent to the top is largely attributed to his proficiency in handling social media and technology, which has rendered Ted's old-school PR tactics obsolete. Ted's rejection sends him into a spiral of self-doubt, causing him to question not only his professional worth but also his personal identity. To cope with the loss of status and momentum, Ted resorts to old-school means of communication - landline phones, printed newspaper clippings, and face-to-face conversations - as a form of therapy. He becomes fascinated with the retro world, often reminiscing about the past and the 'good old days.' As Ted delves deeper into his nostalgia, he starts to see his life as a series of missed opportunities and unfulfilled expectations. He begins to wonder whether he's simply trying to cling to a bygone era rather than moving forward with the times. Meanwhile, his husband, Henry, an equally charismatic and tech-savvy individual, remains supportive of Ted's nostalgic escapades, if only to keep his husband's spirits up. As Ted struggles to come to terms with his new reality, a group of friends, including Lisa, a wisecracking coworker, and Jamie, Adam's friend and confidant, join the narrative. Their perspectives offer insight into Ted's professional woes, poking fun at his outdated methods and the challenges he faces in a rapidly shifting work environment. However, when Lisa shares with Ted that she has found solace in analog life by cutting ties with the digital world altogether, he becomes motivated to follow her example. Together, they and their friends set out on a mission to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with life on their own terms. As they shed their dependency on technology and immerse themselves in a simpler, more tactile world, they begin to rediscover aspects of themselves they thought were lost forever. Ted's foray into analog life eventually leads him to realize that it's not about rejecting modernity entirely but about finding balance and embracing the benefits of each world. He understands that technology has undoubtedly transformed the way people communicate and interact but also acknowledges the importance of face-to-face connections and human touch. Meanwhile, his rivalry with Adam takes a surprising turn as the younger executive begins to question his own reliance on technology. He starts to see the limits of his digital prowess and, in a poignant twist, begins to connect with the people around him on a more authentic level. Landline masterfully satirizes the modern world and the human condition, exploring themes of identity, disconnection, and the quest for meaning in a world where people are increasingly reliant on technology. The film's clever script and witty dialogue bring to light the absurdities of life in the digital age, reminding viewers that true connection and human understanding can be found in the most unexpected places - often by looking back or simply by switching off. Ultimately, Landline reminds us that it's never too late to reassess and redefine ourselves, embracing both the modern world and the simpler times we leave behind.