The Ordinary People Poster

The Ordinary People 2009

★ 5.617 votes91 min📅 2009-09-16

In *The Ordinary People* (2009), director Mathias Gokalp crafts a sharp, tension-filled corporate drama that peels back the polished veneer of a high-stakes business reception.

Director: Mathias Gokalp

Cast

Denis Podalydès
Denis Podalydès
Gilles Bergerat
Jean-Pierre Darroussin
Jean-Pierre Darroussin
Bruno Couffe
Mélanie Doutey
Mélanie Doutey
Natacha Gauthier-Stevens
Pascal Greggory
Pascal Greggory
Philippe Muller
Zabou Breitman
Zabou Breitman
Christine Barbieri
Bouli Lanners
Bouli Lanners
Pierrick Barbieri
Frédéric Bonpart
Frédéric Bonpart
Marek, l'homme de ménage
Dimitri Storoge
Dimitri Storoge
Damen Gauthier-Stevens
Samuel Ferret
Dr. Vercruysse
Richard Chevallier
Richard Chevallier
Le responsable vestiaire

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The Ordinary People* (2009) about?

*The Ordinary People* follows the employees of the Muller company during what seems like a celebratory product launch, only to reveal it's a high-pressure executive coaching session. As rumors of an impending corporate acquisition spread, the staff's polished exteriors crumble, exposing their fears and rivalries in a night that becomes a battle for survival.

Who directed *The Ordinary People*?

The film was directed by Mathias Gokalp, known for his insightful explorations of human nature in corporate and social settings.

Who stars in *The Ordinary People*?

The ensemble cast features Denis Podalydès, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Mélanie Doutey, Pascal Greggory, and Zabou Breitman, among others.

Is *The Ordinary People* (2009) worth watching?

While it lacks an IMDb rating to anchor its reception, *The Ordinary People* offers a compelling dive into workplace dynamics and the fragility of success. Its sharp script and strong performances make it a solid pick for fans of corporate dramas with a psychological edge.

How long is *The Ordinary People*?

The film runs for 91 minutes.

About The Ordinary People (2009) — A corporate thriller where ambition meets uncertainty

In *The Ordinary People* (2009), director Mathias Gokalp crafts a sharp, tension-filled corporate drama that peels back the polished veneer of a high-stakes business reception. What appears to be a glamorous product launch for the Muller company quickly unravels as employees realize it's a covert management coaching exercise. As whispers of an impending corporate takeover swirl through the room, the executives grapple with insecurity, ambition, and the fragility of their positions, all while the evening's carefully constructed facade begins to crack under pressure. The film blends biting workplace satire with the quiet desperation of its characters, creating an atmosphere that's equal parts suffocating and darkly humorous.

Gokalp's intimate ensemble cast, led by Denis Podalydès, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, and Mélanie Doutey, delivers performances that oscillate between polished professionalism and raw vulnerability. The Ordinary People isn't just a critique of corporate culture—it's a mirror held up to the anxieties of modern work life, where success and failure hinge on a single rumor. With its 91-minute runtime packed with sharp dialogue and understated suspense, this drama lingers like the tension in a boardroom after the lights go out.