Chaos Reigns in Ari Aster’s Latest Film
As the heat rises and rival campaigns become more vicious, widespread misinformation takes hold, protests erupt against the police, and all hell breaks loose in Ari Aster’s latest film. The explosive third act swaps the slow-burn, politically edged western for a full-blown, bullet-dodging, blood-soaked crime caper reminiscent of No Country for Old Men. While the quality of filmmaking may not quite reach that level, the film does deliver on its promise of a chaotic and intense experience.
The movie is filled with pandemic-era references, Easter eggs, and an all-consuming sense of claustrophobia. It delves into essential business meetings, illegal gatherings, socially distanced lines for basic supplies, roadside COVID tests, and mind-bending TikTok videos. The world depicted is one of chaos and uncertainty, mirroring the current state of the world.
While the film is meant to be a satire, it falls short of being funny. References to Black Lives Matter rallies, anti-racist rhetoric, and political correctness may elicit laughs from some audiences, but the humor may not translate well to viewers in the US or UK. The decision to mention George Floyd’s death in a questionable light adds to the film’s controversial nature.
In Aster’s attempt to criticize both sides of the political spectrum, the film’s message becomes muddled and uninteresting. The central character, Joe, lacks depth and fails to make a meaningful impact on the audience. The two-and-a-half-hour runtime feels drawn out, leaving viewers with a sense of pointlessness.
Ultimately, the film falls short of providing new insights or observations, instead regurgitating a familiar hellscape that many are already living in. While movies don’t always have to offer escapism, subjecting audiences to a divisive and conspiracy-ravaged world without offering new perspectives feels redundant and exhausting.
