LogFAQs > #979872177

The easy part of the review - the filmmaking. It's near flawless. The cinematography, the editing, the sound design. All fantastic, which helps lend a very taut, uncomfortable feel throughout. This is a very gripping film.

The harder part of the review - the story and the themes. I was unsure when I walked out exactly what I thought. But in the hour since I walked out, I can think of nothing else. It is starting to make sense, but I also keep finding contradictions. So yeah, it's a Garland film. This is the exact same thematic haziness seen with Ex Machina, Annihilation, and Men, but they aren't hazy because of a flaw in the writing. On the contrary, they inspire thought and discussion, as, similar to real life, things aren't simple. I could spend serious time debating them with fellow film goers. Yes, even the flawed Men warrants discussion.

I guess I haven't said anything about the themes, but it takes having seen the whole movie to get too specific. That said, apathy, disenchantment, and desensitization are at the heart of the film, while also having the desire to actually see and know everything. Let's stare at the deadly car crash, but detach ourselves from actually caring. The movie is entirely apolitical and we rarely even know whose "side" most of the characters are on. It doesn't matter. All that matters is that the others are the enemy. We also don't need the backstory; it is way too easy for all of us to make up a very feasible one.

Finally, I just want to mention that both Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny are wonderful. Dunst still has it in her, and Spaeny likely has a very bright future ahead of her.

9 / 10