Treating an incendiary issue in an austere, minimalist manner has turned “The Assistant” into an arresting independent drama. “The Assistant” is less bombastic than you might expect, and that is all to the good. Because Jane’s role is so non-demonstrative, the gifts of star Garner, an Emmy winner for “Ozark,” are much needed. One of the shrewd decisions “The Assistant” makes is one of omission, to avoid the obvious situation of Jane being a subject of sexual harassment herself. Its restrained, deliberate style is ideally suited to making the point that people without restraints are capable of anything.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 30, 2020 17:37 UTC