Movie Review: A Working Man

In a world that often overlooks the dignity of hard work, A Working Man stands as a poignant and tender ode to the unsung heroes who clock in every day, without fanfare, and often at great personal sacrifice. Directed by Oren Shai, this 2020 film tells the story of the blue-collar worker’s struggle, not just with the loss of his job, but with the loss of his sense of self. Through its heartfelt performances and understated direction, the film resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their place in an increasingly mechanized world.

Plot Summary

For decades, the film’s protagonist, "Frank" (played by Peter Gerety), has been toiling away at a local factory, a proud and reliable cog in the machine. When the factory unexpectedly shuts down, Frank’s world begins to crumble. As the loss of his job takes its toll, Frank must grapple with his identity, his sense of worth, and his place in a society that doesn't seem to care about the value of hard work anymore.

The narrative is deceptively simple, focusing on Frank’s journey as he desperately tries to find purpose in a world that no longer has a place for him. His attempts to regain his former routine are met with skepticism, but it’s through his relationship with his son and the townspeople around him that Frank finds a semblance of meaning in his struggle.

Themes of Resilience and Identity

At its core, A Working Man is about the struggle for identity in a world that increasingly values results over people. Frank’s work isn’t just what he does; it’s who he is. When the factory shuts its doors, the external threat is clear – but the internal one, the quiet unraveling of self-worth, is much more powerful. The film explores how the dignity of labor shapes our self-perception, and what happens when that identity is threatened by forces beyond our control.

The film doesn’t dwell in overt melodrama or preachiness; instead, it allows the audience to feel the weight of Frank's loss through his actions and interactions. There’s a quiet beauty in how Frank’s sense of pride and purpose is both fragile and indomitable, as he struggles to redefine himself without the physicality of his job to ground him.

A Stellar Performance by Peter Gerety

While the plot could easily have been overshadowed by the film’s larger societal commentary, it’s the subtle and layered performance by Peter Gerety that truly elevates A Working Man. Gerety, known for his versatile roles in both film and television, brings a weary dignity to Frank that makes the character instantly relatable and deeply empathetic.

Gerety’s Frank doesn’t cry or lash out, and yet, his every move—whether it’s sitting in his car outside the now-closed factory, or staring into the distance as he tries to figure out his next step—screams of frustration, confusion, and a desperate longing to hold onto something, anything, that once gave his life meaning. His understated performance is a testament to the unspoken burdens that so many working-class people carry, often without recognition.

Visual Storytelling and Direction

Oren Shai’s direction allows for the film’s small moments to shine. A Working Man doesn’t rely on flashy visuals or action-packed scenes to convey its story. Instead, it uses the quiet intimacy of Frank’s daily life to reflect larger themes of social and economic decline. Shai wisely keeps the pace slow and deliberate, letting us spend time with Frank as he tries to make sense of his new reality.

The cinematography by David Wike complements this tone perfectly, with muted colors and wide shots that emphasize Frank’s isolation. There’s a raw beauty in the film’s simplicity, whether it’s capturing Frank walking through a deserted factory floor or sharing a rare moment of connection with his son. These moments ground the film in a lived-in reality that feels painfully true.

An Unflinching Look at Working-Class America

One of the most striking aspects of A Working Man is its unflinching portrayal of the working-class experience, not as a victim narrative, but as one of resilience. It would have been easy to turn Frank’s story into a cautionary tale about corporate greed or the decline of American industry. While these issues are certainly present in the background, the film doesn’t resort to heavy-handed political messaging. Instead, it focuses on the quiet, internal struggles that many working people face when their livelihoods are abruptly ripped away from them.

In this way, A Working Man speaks not just to the working class, but to all of us who have ever felt invisible or undervalued. The loss of a job is just the beginning of the journey for Frank, and the film’s true power lies in how it emphasizes the importance of finding new ways to define ourselves, even when the world around us insists we don’t matter.

Final Thoughts

In a cinematic landscape that often gravitates towards high-octane plots and spectacle, A Working Man is a refreshing reminder that the most powerful stories are often the quietest ones. With a moving performance from Peter Gerety, a sensitive directorial touch, and a timely exploration of the working-class experience, this film is a must-watch for anyone who has ever fought to hold onto their sense of self in a world that doesn’t always care.

Highly recommended for fans of understated drama and anyone who enjoys films that reflect real, everyday struggles with empathy and grace.