Miles Teller’s film Get a Job, which initially performed poorly at the box office, has recently gained popularity on streaming platforms. Released in 2016 after a long shelving period, this comedy-drama starring Teller and Anna Kendrick is now attracting fresh viewers on HBO Max, despite its earlier negative reception.
Get a Job follows the story of a young man, played by Miles Teller, and his girlfriend, portrayed by Anna Kendrick, as they face challenges securing meaningful employment after college. Although filmed in 2012, the movie only saw a limited release four years later through Lionsgate Premiere and CBS Films. Its arrival on HBO Max on August 1 introduced it to a new audience, where it quickly climbed to number nine on the service’s Top 10 Movies of Today list, standing alongside titles like Sinners and Final Destination: Bloodlines.
Early Critical Response Was Overwhelmingly Negative
Despite a notable cast that includes Bryan Cranston, Nicholas Braun, Brandon T. Johnson, and Alison Brie alongside Teller and Kendrick, Get a Job was largely dismissed by critics. The film holds a 21% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an even lower 9% on the Popcornmeter score, reflecting the overwhelmingly unfavorable reviews at its release.
Jordan Hoffman of The Guardian criticized the movie for its uncertain tone, stating,
“Get A Job’s primary problem is that it doesn’t know if it wants to be a realistic look at millennials and the current economy, or go for the cheap gag about the jive-talking pimp renting out a sleazy motel.”
—Jordan Hoffman, The Guardian
Lou Lumenick from the New York Post echoed similar disappointment, condemning the film’s humor and execution:
“Crass and painfully unfunny satirical comedy shot four years ago. It’s finally receiving a token theatrical release concurrent with being dumped into the video-on-demand sludge pile.”
—Lou Lumenick, New York Post
The film was largely considered a satirical comedy with inconsistent jokes and lackluster performances, contributing to its commercial failure when it made just $24,910 at the box office.
The Film’s Cast and Their Roles in Get a Job
Miles Teller stars as Will Davis, the struggling college graduate at the center of the story. Anna Kendrick plays Jillian Stewart, his girlfriend who faces similar challenges post-graduation. Bryan Cranston features as Roger Davis, with Nicholas Braun appearing as Charlie. The ensemble, which also includes Brandon T. Johnson and Alison Brie, was noted for its collective talent even if the film’s reception was poor.
Shifting Perceptions: From Box Office Failure to Streaming Favorite
Nearly a decade after its initial release, Get a Job has undergone a significant reassessment by viewers discovering the film via streaming platforms. Its unexpected resurgence on HBO Max signals a phenomenon where certain films gain appreciation and find fresh audiences outside traditional theatrical channels. This sleeper hit status demonstrates how accessibility through digital platforms can reshape a film’s cultural footprint.
For Miles Teller, Anna Kendrick, and the rest of the cast, the new interest in Get a Job may offer a different legacy than the one established by critics at the time of release. While the film may never have achieved mainstream theatrical success, its current popularity suggests that it resonates with viewers exploring contemporary themes around youth and employment, making it relevant years after production.
The trajectory of Get a Job provides an example of how films with rocky starts can still find longevity and appreciation via streaming services, highlighting shifts in how audiences engage with cinematic content in the digital age.
