Antitrust

Milo Hoffman, a gifted but cautious computer programmer, lands a coveted post at a cutting edge software firm in Portland, drawn by the promise of mentorship and a shot at real influence. The perks look great, the late nights feel exciting, and the pay reflects his ambition. But as Milo burrows into the company's operations he starts noticing a disturbing pattern. The firm uses aggressive maneuvers to silence critics and dodge antitrust scrutiny, a strategy steered from the top by the callous CEO Gary Winston. Milo's colleagues, including Lisa Calighan and the steadfast Alice Poulson, seem complicit or trapped by power. He must decide whether to expose the scheme or protect himself, knowing powerful interests will resist discovery. The consequences could be costly.

Directed by Peter Howitt, Antitrust is built from an original screenplay by Howard Franklin and released in 2001. It is not adapted from any prior work, making it a standalone tech thriller written for the screen and paced for impact.

The film earned about 18.2 million worldwide on a 30 million budget, a modest return given the production spend. It did not become a blockbuster, yet it found viewers among fans of tech oriented thrillers who enjoy corporate intrigue.

The film left few lasting catchphrases or iconic scenes, yet it mirrors 2000s tech anxiety about corporate power and the ethics of aggressive competition. It sits among mid range thrillers that probe how far companies will go, and how individuals respond when faced with choices that could cost them everything.

Critics gave a mixed response, praising the brisk pacing and solid performances from Ryan Phillippe and Tim Robbins, while some found the plot thin. The film wrestles with ambition, corporate power, and the ethical cost of innovation in the tech era. Its themes still echo for viewers considering progress's cost.