The Joneses follows a seemingly perfect family who move into an affluent suburb, only for neighbours to discover that they are a stealth marketing unit hired to influence consumption by showcasing luxury products in everyday life. As pressure to hit sales targets grows, the social and personal costs become clear.
Use in class
This film is well suited to marketing ethics and consumer culture topics. It enables discussion of stealth marketing, influencer strategies, aspiration and social comparison, and the blurred line between authentic and constructed lifestyles. It also invites reflection on materialism and wellbeing.
Trailer
