Patterns portrays the cutthroat environment within a corporate executive firm. This striking film, penned by Rod Serling—known for The Twilight Zone—and adapted from his own stage play, thrives on sharp conversations and three exceptional acting performances. Strikingly devoid of music and largely set indoors, Serling and director Fielder Cook have produced what feels like the definitive movie exploring the difficult and often ruthless climb up the corporate hierarchy. Everett Sloane, Ed Begley, and Van Heflin deliver truly remarkable portrayals. Sloane’s depiction of Walter Ramsey, the powerful boss, is both unforgettable and chilling; he won't simply fire someone, but manipulates them into resigning—a particularly nasty tactic. Begley, in a nuanced performance filled with weariness, embodies William Briggs, who welcomes Van Heflin’s Fred Staples to the company, only to suspect it will come at his expense. This creates an underlying emotional thread as Staples, portrayed by Heflin in what seems like a career-defining role, grapples with his position within the organization, ultimately leading to a powerful conclusion where Heflin and Sloane face off with captivating intensity—a moment that many contemporary actors would benefit from observing. This is a wonderful film that I strongly suggest to anyone who enjoys movies driven by dialogue and showcasing intelligence in every scene. 9/10

Source on TMDB