Plot
Daisy works as a social media content moderator. Her job is to review flagged content and, based on a stringent set of guidelines, decide if it should be removed from an unnamed platform. The office has rigid quotas, a dictatorial manager, panic attacks and meltdowns by employees, even an alligator lurking in a man-made pond.
Daisy tries to maintain a normal routine -- using sex, drugs and alcohol to numb herself -- but constant exposure to disturbing imagery causes her sense of well-being to erode. She struggles to sleep, is unable to connect with peers, grows increasingly isolated and detached. And then she comes across a post that proves particularly damaging. The video is never shown, but flashes of footage and subsequent discussions imply it contains a violent, mechanized rape. Haunted by what she's seen, Daisy grows obsessed with holding someone accountable. However, both her boss and the police dismiss her concerns, claiming the content is fake and outside their realm of concern. So she takes matters into her own hands and attempts to find the man from the video.
With little evidence and no detective skills, Daisy relies on the internet to fuel her quest, which leads to a series of dead ends and wild goose chases. Her investigation spirals into dangerous territory, forcing her to confront her own mental limits and the grisly reality of what's online. Her frustration boils over and causes her to commit an act of violence. She attacks a crude bartender and, hands covered in blood, she's finally able to sleep through the night. Shortly after, a coworker gives her the name of the man from the video and she prepares to enact justice.
However, a video of Daisy assaulting the bartender ends up flagged on social media. She realizes she has perpetuated the very thing she's trying to stop. She quits her job and starts to heal. She goes to an interview for a coveted position at a healthcare firm. In the final moments, it's revealed the person interviewing her is actually the man she's been searching for. She turns to the camera -- breaking the fourth wall as if to shift the focus onto the audience -- and flashes a smile. The ending is seemingly ambiguous. However, the alligator from her old office slinks behind her, implying retribution will be enacted, even though it may have transformed into something darker.
Production
Uta Briesewitz made her feature directorial debut with American Sweatshop, having previously worked as a cinematographer and television director. Matthew Nemeth wrote the screenplay. [3]
Lili Reinhart signed on for the film's lead role in May 2024. [1] Daniela Melchior joined the cast in a major supporting role in August 2024. [2] Filming took place in Cologne, Germany at MMC Studios and also in Bonn in the summer of 2024. The Film and Media Foundation NRW of Germany supported the project spending €400,000. [1] [4] [3]
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