In 2025, the tech world has felt loud and chaotic. Imagine a reality where tech enthusiasts dominate the scene, often portrayed as the villains in movies and pop culture. It’s like an endless cycle of the same faces and the same cringe-worthy quotes. Take Netflix’s The Electric State, for example. Stanley Tucci plays a character who looks like a retro villain but delivers lines that make you roll your eyes. Lines like “Our world is a tire fire floating on an ocean of pee” can feel more annoying than insightful.
In Superman, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is another tech bro drop-out, desperate for attention. His character spends big money on social media tricks to compete with Superman. This reflects a real trend; in 2022, many felt that social media influencers often overshadow genuine talent. People are tired of the “woke” outrage that seems to taint every movie’s release, making it feel less about entertainment and more like a commentary on today’s world.
On the lighter side, the film M3GAN 2.0 introduces us to Alton Appleton, played by Jemaine Clement. His overconfidence is humorous, and he ends up in a hilariously unfortunate situation that makes audiences pity him. It’s refreshing to see a flawed billionaire character who can bring a laugh.
Then there’s Danny Huston in The Naked Gun reboot. He plays a twisted tech mogul, concocting bizarre plans that reflect some extreme real-world issues, like obsession with personal wealth and power. Huston’s character echoes a growing concern among experts that many of today’s tech leaders prioritize profit over people, often leading us to question their motives.
This year also saw Kevin Bacon in The Toxic Avenger, where his character, a health guru, is a parody of real-life biohackers. There’s a rising trend among some wealthy individuals who believe they can evade aging through extravagant health regimens, reminding us, ironically, that chasing immortality can be both comical and tragic.
Another standout, Mountainside by Jesse Armstrong, showcases a lodge filled with self-absorbed billionaires during a crisis. Their banter becomes a microcosm of the real tech industry—full of high-stakes decisions and moral ambiguity. As they stumble through their discussions, it’s hard not to reflect on how disconnected these leaders can be from reality, showcasing a major concern that resonates today.
With these portrayals, films are not just entertainment; they also spark discussions about the people behind the masks. As moviegoers, we deserve stories that reflect our world authentically—featuring characters who are not only flawed but also relatable. Perhaps as we head into the new cinema year, there’s hope for richer narratives that challenge the status quo without merely mimicking it.
For further insights, check out The Pew Research Center for trends related to technology and society’s views on these evolving themes.
