A24's “MEN” is a Surreal Nightmare | Movie Review

[@CoolChannelDreadTube]

10-year-old me: "Everyone at the Daily Planet is so stupid. How can they not know that's Superman!?" 46-year-old me: "Wait. Those were all the same guy?“

[@inevitableveganfuture3915]

Yep, fooled me too. I even went to the IMDB page afterwards, which was very confusing until I realised.

[@FallenRingbearer]

Spoilers! Lol jk

[@Ghill4m]

while I was watching the movie, I thought they were all brothers xDDD

[@RyansChannel0203]

I still remember when I saw the trailer for this film before watching Everything Everywhere All at Once in a packed theater and when the title card showed up, the entire theater (me and my friend included) all laughed hysterically. Lol

[@ImpressionBlend]

I bet! I remember thinking "wait... really?" when I saw the title for the first time lol

[@NotIfICU1st_]

Beautiful images. Shallow writing. I came for a horror movie but left with a crush on Jessie Buckley. That woman could tell a story without words. During "that" scene near the end someone behind me commented, "this is out of control." I hope to make a movie someday that gets that kind of response.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Jessie Buckley is fantastic! Check out her other movies - she's always great.

[@NotIfICU1st_]

@@ImpressionBlend thanks that is absolutely my goal now to get caught up on her work. I've been missing out. Is there one you might highlight for her?

[@ImpressionBlend]

@@NotIfICU1st_ I mean, to stick with psychological horror, you can't go wrong with "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" - I loved it so much I actually have 2 reviews on it, one without spoilers and one that's a spoiler discussion.

[@AndrewWatson401]

I think that Jessie B is in the Toni Collette class!

[@ImpressionBlend]

@@AndrewWatson401 agreed!

[@thrawncaedusl717]

Someone asked on the horror subreddit if they should watch the trailer or if it has too many spoilers. I told them that I felt like the trailer showed basically the entire movie, with the possible exception of a climactic twist. I was downvoted quite a bit. Sometimes it’s just nice to hear that I was right and Reddit was wrong.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Reddit is definitely wrong on this one - you can pretty much gather what's going on from the trailer.

[@thrawncaedusl717]

The most annoying thing is that I didn’t even want to see the trailer. I’d chosen not to watch it because Garland had impressed me enough that I was committed to going into his next film blind. But I went to see the Northman, and they showed the trailer, and I just felt like I had already seen the movie. It wasn’t quite as bad as Sing (the epitome of the trailer being a four minute version of the film), but it still left me feeling like I didn’t need to see the movie. Which is a shame, because their trailer literally lost them a ticket sale.

[@user-uy1rg8td1v]

@@ImpressionBlend Great videos. I love your delivery and charm and I feel you have a good speaking voice with good recording quality. I would love more scifi and fantasy reviews. I just binged-watched Severance, Mythic Quest, and 1883 which I think you would also enjoy. I also liked "The Endless" which you can watch for free on youtube. I would like to suggest you don't have any background music. I find it distracting (despite it being not too loud in your video) and unnecessary (I firmly believe people want to hear you talk and not hear generic background music). A good clean audio is my suggestion.

[@valeriebasta7983]

Reddit is mostly. always wrong lol.

[@alienduderules6883]

Reddit is always wrong. It's worse than Twitter

[@vivaciousom5347]

Your sentiment, “this isn’t a movie for me,” is exactly how I felt. The cinematography was very good, as was the female lead.

[@riseofazrael]

It's a well made film, very competently put together. It's just has a really weird off-putting story, which created some strange unsettling visuals.

[@brettsinger9565]

The ending saved the film from mediocrity

[@FallenRingbearer]

The use of The Green Man as the instigator of growth (albeit violent, off-putting) was genius.

[@slavesteven3049]

One could enjoy this movie from the amazing cinematography alone. This is one of those films that you appreciate more the longer it sits with you. It is a movie I could watch a second time. I can see people not liking the heavy use of metaphor, especially at the end. And some people might feel uncomfortable with the subject of gendered violence and see it as divisive, but I think it is a subject worthy of exploration. As a man I have no problem examining the issue without feeling "attacked." I think the film does a good job of letting the imagery tell the story and not lecturing through dialogue. All in all it is a very good movie. I prefer movies like this to Marvel blockbuster films any day.

[@plutonian_aquarius]

Love this 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@LegendaryManSlayer93]

Yeah honestly i loved the cinematography, the lead actress, the use of colors like red and orange etc. However the final sequence was too disturbing for my taste. I’ve seen lots of horror films but it still felt too disturbing/disgusting. I’d give the film a 7.5/10

[@suburbianghost]

I agree just saw it tonight w my boyfriend and it was a beautifully shot, edited, and scored film. I do feel like I should sit with it and see how the ideas grow on me, the obviousness that people are talking about I can see but might be reactionary after a first viewing.

[@elongatedmanforever1252]

Men was okay, but what we need is the sequel women.

[@alienduderules6883]

Prequel* from Adam God made Eve yukyuk

[@vrios6579]

I was hoping for this to be the best movie out of the year but sadly the writing seemed shallow which is a shame with such a good concept, I thought it was fumbled. I was expecting this movie to capture the female experience in a horror perspective, but 30 mins in it was apparent that this was written by a man (before I knew it was Alex Garland). Lots of missed details and creative choices were made that took away the from the experience I expect it was trying to get at. Not a bad movie, just really didn’t say anything we didn’t already know. A lot of men seem to like this movie, but most women I’ve seen review this didn’t think it was as good as it could have been which I find interesting

[@LegendaryManSlayer93]

As a man i have mixed feelings about this film. It wasn’t what i was hoping based on the trailers. It reminds me of how the nightmare alley trailer was vs the actual film. Lots of potential, kind of disappointing.

[@litman5584]

I didn’t like it as a man

[@auntiecreeps1414]

I’m still processing this movie as I just saw it this afternoon. I had no idea what I was watching half the time. 🤷‍♀️

[@CalvinCrack]

What frustrates me about MEN is that so much of the movie was intriguing and had it built somewhere interesting it would have rendered the journey worthwhile. But that does not happen. It becomes a literal monster movie, with no twist to pay off the metaphorical pressure cooker it started 75 minutes ago. The story is a dud. It is an entertaining dud though.

[@fatalalejandro]

I disagree, the way the “monster” at the end kept getting weaker with each birth and making the main character seem to deal with this guilt easier each time with the last one being the husband itself and finally confronting him, asking him “what do you want from me?”. Finally she is happy and cleansed hence why she smiled at the end finally seeing her friend

[@inevitableveganfuture3915]

I agree, a unique dud with some worthwhile performances and visuals, but ultimately a failure to communicate whatever it was trying to say.

[@shellunit]

I'm not sure it is a literal monster movie.

[@waterfoodNmusic]

More depth and subtlety is definitely what I was hoping for. I specifically wanted to see it because I thought the trailer gave nothing away. Imagine my surprise at what the "climax" was supposed to be 😭

[@8tbb0359]

She is fantastic and has pretty much the whole star/person next door factor that so many incredibly likeable performers have

[@KnarfStein]

The film is a 8/10 for me. The lead performances are great. The story is stripped down and doesn't waste time on character development (yes, I said it. While character development can be useful, it sometimes isn't necessary). And the social theme is timely.

[@wooflord]

I’m so glad you mentioned the sense of humour! The witty countryman vocabulary is such a treat. I really love your take!

[@keysersoze3977]

I couldn’t agree more…great review. I was so looking forward to this and it is a good film, it just wasnt as great as I was expecting. But the look of the film is stunning and haunting, as well as the acting is brilliant.

[@Str8Faced]

I really appreciate this review. It was pretty much everything my friend group said on the way home from the film. The only thing missing from mention, which is missing in a lot of reviews in general, is the sound design. Otherwise, great review.

[@michaelcaringi5583]

I absolutely respect your review and opinion, especially because you actually defend the reasons you have for both liking and disliking it. My only piece I'll throw in to the ring, is that this movie is entirely a Rorschach Test. You get a variation of what you yourself bring to the table. And all I really mean by that is it's totally cool it didn't do much for you and you felt it was hollow - especially when you threw in the quote about how Garland wants the viewers to project onto it. It's an interactive film. I believe if you tried again at another time (whether that be like in a week, or in a few years; that's entirely your choice) but I think this film has the ability to hit literally anywhere on the ranking scale depending on the mentality of the viewer and where they are at specifically at that point in their own lives. Most arthouse films operate this same way, but with arthouse & horror it's often stuck in the grey zone between fanbases, so it's definitely niche and I'm both very happy and a bit sad that this went mainstream - most people aren't ready for it, and likewise, I don't think the film is entirely ready for most people. No, it is not perfect and it has some parts that could've used extra... something. But for the sake of original horror media and a director who at least puts his efforts into crafting something that is both meditative, researchable, conversation starting, creative, and even visually traumatic, I absolutely loved this movie. 8/10 for me personally.

[@jwescophotography8182]

couldnt agree more with this comment

[@abk1902]

100% agree with everything you said. I was amazed by this movie

[@alaninsoflo]

Loved it. All the archetypes from an English village as portrayed by Rory Kinnear are so spot on I was squirming in my seat for all his scenes. 8/10. Helps to be English to really enjoy this one for sure.

[@PNEfc001]

loved this film and the fact it was directed by a man is even better. I saw an interview with Alex Garland where he mentioned that his teenage daughter has had uncomfortable experiences because of men as she goes about her day on public transport . Maybe he is wanting to point out how many different ways men try to manipulate women? They disguise themselves as a listener, or protector, or playful or as a gentlemen but ultimately just want control and/or sex. and when they attempt to change, you just get more of the same, just differently disguised? As you say, a divisive film. Those that liked Mother may enjoy this.

[@davidking4838]

So, if a man is going to be viewed as "pretending" no matter what they do - what should they do?

[@TroubleToby3040]

Ironically, your efforts at praise and appreciation beautifully illustrate a HUGE fundamental flaw in the film from the title down. It's just called "Men". All of the men are played by the same guy (as in "all Men are alike, presumably) and ALL behave terribly to some extent. So, then ALL MEN behave this way? ALL of them? No exceptions? If that isn't what you mean, why word it that way? If it isn't what the filmmaker is trying to say, why are ALL the men played by the same man? Literally, by definition, it is pure sexism to group ALL men together and say they are ALL like this or ALL like that. Isn't sexism ALREADY the problem? Isn't sexism the thing we're trying to stop?

[@Crunch_Buttsteak]

Right because all men are this way & women definitely don't share any of these traits & definitely don't manipulate others for self gain.

[@jksgameshelf3378]

I’m pretty much 100% with you on everything you mentioned. I was all on board for the first half, and then … yeah, that third act was a lot and those close-ups were … a lot more. And what was up with that sudden cut to that dead deer and the dandelion seed?? That just came out of nowhere with no context and bugged me, well, until now! Definitely not boring and beautiful to look at but just not for me, either, overall.

[@hotarubinariko]

I totally forgot about that. What was up with that? lol I felt like I understood the majority of the movie, but the dandelion seed thing kind of went over my head.

[@jksgameshelf3378]

@@hotarubinariko - Yeah, other than maybe being as simple as dandelions are a week and their seeds scatter on the wind to grow more and that's pretty much how men's warped attitudes towards women spread and ... I just came up with that off the top of my head but seems plausible, I guess. But the DEER ... what???

[@hotarubinariko]

@@jksgameshelf3378 oh dang, yeah, that's a solid theory! Nice! I think I'll make that Canon for my interpretation! Haha, I haven't a clue! I really can't think of what it could be. Maybe since the dandelion seed went into the eye it's saying those bad ideas have corrupted women too? But that doesn't track. I know the weird naked dude is supposed to be the God of rebirth in paganism. Maybe it means things must rot to rebirth? 🤷‍♀️

[@tobiasisrael3758]

They should make a horror movie called "Woman The Real Nightmare"

[@junosaxon4370]

Yes, Woe to man (woman) it should be horrible to watch.

[@gocookies77]

Theres a movie called men, women and children, that pretty much covers it

[@miked4309]

its an exact depiction of a nightmare. i have nightmares that have the same kind of components...the running away and escaping and it keeps repeating. prevailing and defeating the horror only to have it come back and chase you more.

[@KuR58]

I feel the exact same after watching it yesterday. It started off so strong and I thought it was such an interesting concept and idea and yet I feel like the ideas weren't explored enough. I liked the visuals and the acting. I liked some aspects of it but overall I felt like it didn't necessarily go anywhere. Metaphors obvious. "real life horrors" not thoroughly enough explored. It felt like it just went halfway to where they were trying to go.

[@GareBare90]

Based on your review, you've convinced me to see this film tomorrow. I've been on the fence for weeks trying to see if it's worth watching per others' reviews, but you really hit the nail on the head when it comes to detailing the performances, storyline, cinematography, symbolism and other attributes. I let you know how it is soon.

[@Totorus]

I totally loved this movie, for me is a 10, but is just personal, loved the cinematography / photography, sound design, acting and story. Greetings.

[@robertnewett5932]

Although this movie is receiving mixed reviews and has its flaws. I do think this movie will get better with age and ultimately become a strong cult classic. The themes are a little vague and the build is sorta flat but it has some solid acting performances, visuals, and music score. Its a good watch if you just wanna relax and see an odd horror drama with some shock value without overthinking.

[@Bell2323]

If you liked this movie you need to check yourself into a mental institution.

[@RobynRichardsFan1]

I cannot unsee the ending! I'm was like why? 🤣 I enjoyed the film but I was like how do I recommend this to my friends?

[@ImpressionBlend]

Right?! It just kept going forever too!

[@donavanfrea6768]

It's hard to find a good film reviewer on. This was a really good review. Well spoken and entertaining. You've got my subscription

[@WobblinJawSports]

This is the 1st time I've come across your channel. That was such a well crafted and professionally explained review i gotta instantly subscribe. That was really good. :)

[@ImpressionBlend]

Thank you! Welcome to my channel))

[@kippkippington]

I was so terrified that this movie was gonna get too abstract in it's third act. It was so good right out of the gate, and then I was right.

[@dukeon]

Great review! I always look forward to seeing your take films I’ve seen or want to see.

[@jacindaellison3363]

Lol, you were close w/ the audience RT score for this movie: 56%. It was somewhere in the 60% range last time I saw the rating. They think it's worst than The Beach, which is at 57% on RT. I still want to watch it, though but will have to wait to rent it ☹️.

[@davidsantacarla]

Every review I’ve seen of people on Reddit was “I don’t know what I just watched”. 😂

[@Jamesadamiak]

I normally dont like movies that end in pure symbolism/theme (i.e Mother!) but this one kept me thinking about those themes for a long time after. Cant wait to see his next film!

[@stevebob240]

Just saw it, great way to describe it, well presented review. I think I liked it a little more than you, I enjoyed the pure surreal dreamlike third act but I agree it's his weakest movie. The audio deserves a mention, I loved the use of music and the rich soundscape. Her scene in the tunnel was beautiful and haunting. I might revisit it sometime in the future but I also get the impression most of the symbolism is pretty skin deep.

[@dovestone_]

Yes! The soundscape was glorious

[@eternalenigma1628]

I loved this film, I thought it was beautiful and engaging- a good conversation starter is very true. My partner and I were talking about thoughts it brought up in us for the next day or two, but not necessarily about the movie itself. "That" scene at the end went on way too long. We watched it in a local indie movie theatre, and everyone just kind of sat looking at each other for a few minutes after the movie ended, not sure how to get our brains started again.

[@ahmedelkashef]

Can't wait to see it, Annihilation is one of my favorite sci-fi in the past couple of years.

[@curadplastic_ass7256]

I enjoyed it a lot.

[@filmlover1349]

Great review again! I need to catch up on a lot of movies from the last month or so lol. I’ve been busy.

[@celluloidtherapy5003]

I came THIIISSSS close, to leaving the theater about 15 minutes early. By that time, I had MORE than my fill of this film. It stopped making sense a long time ago, and I was thinking, “oh boy, here we go with an ambiguous, annoying, nothing solved, nothing explained ending.” I felt things like the bridge sequence, carried on far too long as well as the LONG periods throughout with no dialog. Foe me, it’s a 2/10..HIGHLY disappointing.

[@LegendaryManSlayer93]

I felt like i was going to throw up. My favorite horror film is hereditary and this made that seem PG. I also almost left during the final sequence.

[@jamestkirkcameron9189]

I peaced out when the treeguy started giving birth to something. This movie was one of the worst movies I've ever seen.

[@FallenRingbearer]

@@jamestkirkcameron9189 Read up on The Green Man. The rebirthing thing makes sense, even if they went overboard on the detailing. Icky lol.

[@FallenRingbearer]

@@jamestkirkcameron9189 Read up on The Green Man. The rebirthing thing makes sense, even if they went overboard on the detailing. Icky lol.

[@jamestkirkcameron9189]

@@FallenRingbearer I couldn't care less man, movies that require me to do homework are idiotic.

[@samsmith4135]

It's Good To See You Again Maria 😊

[@ImpressionBlend]

Marianna ;)

[@ambermoon719]

I found it so beautiful: ancient architecture and sublime nature, with fine-art music and a unique artistic and meditative feel. Loved watching it. A rare film on beauty and some deeply symbolic gore. I’m not a horror fan, so found this out of the box, like kinda David Lynch-esque.

[@ruukaoz]

The music is the best thing about it.

[@scottsharp1763]

There’s zero reason for me to watch or even pretend to be interested in any of a.garlands films, none.!.

[@markkavanagh7377]

If you don't know Kinnears father was one of the great comedy character actors of 70s and 80s TV. Great to see him get a chance to take on so many roles too.

[@Yacine.zeggaf]

I love Alex Garland, Ex Machina and Annihilation were great sci-fi pieces. So yeah I'm waiting for this.

[@ImpressionBlend]

This is nothing like his sci-fi, IMO. It has some thematic crossover with "Annihilation" but honestly it isn't much.

[@Yacine.zeggaf]

@@ImpressionBlend I'll go back to your lovely Movie review Tomorrow after watching the film I do that all the time. I always try to avoid movie trailers. (I know you don't do spoilers) But I do the same thing with books. 😂 P.S : I discovered lots of masterpieces thanks to your recommendations. Coup de cœur pour 💜 : Saint Maud Definitely in my top 5 (7) of best modern psychological occult and esoteric movies: 1 - A dark song 2 - Saint Maud 3 - Paul Verhoeven's Benedetta 4 - Hereditary / Midsomar 5 - The VVITCH / The Exorcism of Emily Rose

[@WatchItOrNotTV]

We will be reviewing this one pretty soon!!!!

[@la214la]

I gave this one a 4/10 too. I was enjoying it for the most part until her friend talked her into staying. Shortly thereafter, it went off the rails. I wasn’t sure what was happening. Was it literal or only happening in her head but then her friend seemed to see it all so……..

[@natalierivera5997]

Green is opposite the color red on a color wheel. This was a movie where its left to interpretation largely and I don't mind that, I can see it wouldn't be for everyone. I really enjoyed it, especially now two days after seeing it and reading other people's comments which have been enlightening. Jesse and Rory are amazing!

[@Dragonfury3000]

This what I'd consider a Post modern art movie would be like. The blood on the floor at the very end suggests all it happened was real and not a trauma which would make more sense. The movie is well acted with a nice use of scenery to create a mood and the ending is clearly a metaphor coming to life in the literal sense. The message the movie is trying to give away could be more developed and have a little more reasoning. Men's insecurities, fears and all the negatives of dealing with relationships are somewhat portrayed here but it could be done better. Does this movie wants you to hate men? That's subjective, the final 10 minutes do seem to make a point on "every men is the same" stigma but barely makes a point on why. I don't consider this a bad movie because it's interesting but it could be much better in my opinion.

[@johnthehumanist2333]

Does this movie wants you to hate men? YES!😃

[@georgeralph8031]

The acting by Rory Kinnear is a tour de force.

[@anthonypalmer8975]

THE only good thing about this pos. Imho.

[@LegendaryManSlayer93]

He was great in Penny Dreadful too.

[@freddykruger8229]

Saw this earlier. This review is how I feel 100!

[@travdye347]

I had to put something else on right after just to make sure my sound-bar wasn’t broken

[@georgeralph8031]

Without a doubt, the strangest, movie I have ever seen in over 50 years of movie going.

[@ImpressionBlend]

It's definitely pretty up there!

[@freddykruger8229]

Moreso than "Lamb"? 🤔

[@georgeralph8031]

@@freddykruger8229 Yes. Think Herediatry+Suspiria+Lamb+mother!+Midsommar

[@georgeralph8031]

@@ImpressionBlend Makes Suspiria seem like Sound of Music, IMHO.

[@freddykruger8229]

@@georgeralph8031 aww man🤣🤣🤣. Im actually going to see in in about 2 hours. 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@TheAnadromist]

Thanks Marianna. It occurs to me that many of Garland's ideas involve a natural setting. And he seems to be juxtaposing nature and what? What do you think?

[@matthewbain21]

Good point.

[@andresegolin9947]

I was not expecting what I watched based on the trailer. I was connected until the bizarre plot.

[@junosaxon4370]

Loved the beginning, English country scenes, the heroine, Jessie Buckley, hated the end. The smile at the end shows that she has finally found peace within herself, but those nightmarish horrible scenes were too much.

[@b.noureddine]

For me this is the worst movie of 2022

[@kellymoses8566]

As of 2023-09-18 Men has 69% critic and 40% for audience

[@AkiDave]

I completely agree with you review. I saw the trailer and like everyone else, groaned. But I still went out to see it because my New Years resolution was to see movies I wouldn’t normally see. I expected some depth but came out seeing what I saw in the trailer but at a full length. The cinematography and acting are phenomenal. But the third act (that ending) , and CG felt like they lost the want to be an art house film and just be a normal horror film. It gave up like I gave up trying to find meaning in a flat film. At first I wanted to give it a 3/5 but the more I thought about it a 2.5 makes more sense to me. The bright side is that I saw it with a friend and his jaw dropped at the ending lmao.

[@davidking4838]

Great review - Yes, you are correct!!! That 3rd act, COME ON!!! GET THIS OVER WITH!

[@lydiarose29]

I am a big fan of your channel. I'm curious what candles you have burning in background? Are these your fav?

[@arshilgandikota8362]

From what you describe looks like it's Alex Garland's "Mother!" and I didn't like that movie at all.

[@ImpressionBlend]

That's a fair comparison, and I've heard a few other people say this as well.

[@slave_to_cinema]

Hmm... :/

[@Smolharuharu]

I’m always surprised that so few people seem to understand that the VERY elongated birthing scene at the end was necessary for expressing the final point of the movie and concluding her arc. Men will continue to make a spectacle of themselves over and over again in hopes of getting a reaction, because getting that reaction means that they still have control. By the end of the birthing she is so done with it all, almost bored by it. Because we watched it happen for so long, we the audience, are meant to also feel desensitized to it the way Harper is. No matter how gross and unsettling the scene may be, after a while it just isn’t a surprise anymore. We’ve seen through it. So at the final manifestation of the movie, she’s just tired of it. The resolution offers no real satisfaction because dealing with this is often not satisfying. But like Harper we can be happy that it’s over

[@Celestialrob]

Really excellent review. I also felt your conflict. Loved his earlier movies. Liked this, but hard to recommend.

[@slave_to_cinema]

Im on the fence about this but its too enticing for me not to go see it. I like Alex Garland a lot. Maybe not so much with Annihilation but hes a director I follow. I have a feeling I wont like the "message" of the movie but for its cinematography, the creepiness and thriller aspect makes me want to experience it. Btw i love your channel. I love your candles. You're super cute lol, thanks for the review!

[@edgonzalez3820]

If you didn't like Annihilation then you will definitely not like this movie. Its by far his worst.

[@matthewmcclintock7600]

Excellent review!

[@CeeBee781]

I loved this movie, and something you just said here blew my mind… When we consider the green man and his purpose: Rebirth, renewal, growth, etc.. It made me wonder: Is the green man the good guy? He appears naked, vacant facial expression, and mute. In other words, unlike every other man in the movie, he is without pretense or baggage or expectation. He seems to exist to show Harper a truth she needs to see in order to grow and move on. What does he actually do? He watches her, learns about her, shows her what she needs to see to grow, and leaves. Harper (and the audience) understandably perceived him as a threat because he is male, and she superimposes Rory Kinear’s face on him because he is make, as she does with every other male in the village. But he is separate from them, and his only purpose is to help her through this regenerative point in her life, which he does by putting her through this nightmare, showing her what she needs to see to accept what men are without taking any responsibility for what isn’t her responsibility as a woman.

[@transsexual_computer_faery]

nah

[@Crunch_Buttsteak]

Yeah all men are evil scary bad guys

[@elongatedmanforever1252]

The Spongebob song, now that were men starts "playing in the background".

[@Manda1771]

Green & red are usually complementary colors which is why I think those colors worked in the movie for you.

[@ocelot15]

You're saying what I'm thinking.

[@zwsh89]

My big question-do we mind that Alex garland moved away from sci-fi for this, or do we wish he was making another unique and artistic take on technology and the unknown from the sci-fi perspective?

[@zwsh89]

Aka was this a successful venture into new territory, or a wasted opportunity for the next annihilation?

[@givenchymamajama3859]

Nah it was a dope experience go see it for yourself

[@zwsh89]

@@givenchymamajama3859 sick, that’s what I was hoping to hear

[@givenchymamajama3859]

@@zwsh89 it’s definitely got it’s cons but the pros amazed me bro this the best looking movie I’ve seen since like the revenant. The cinematography on this is something else

[@zwsh89]

@@givenchymamajama3859 awesome, I’m super glad to hear that. Ok, cool, I’m convinced that I’ll just have to see it for myself. I love AG for his takes on sci-fi, but he’s always had a horror element at play, so Itl be cool to see what he does with that in the spotlight

[@brettsinger9565]

It's an aggressively strange film and definitely not for everyone. That's my way of saying that I enjoyed it more than most people. When I described the ending to my wife, she told me to stop talking. LOL

[@kevjer]

It's a curse when your first movie is a masterpiece like Ex Machina a 9/10. I thought Annihilation was pretty good a 7/10. Men was boring and silly a 5/10. If his next movie is even worse I might give up on him.

[@scottthemoviecritic8576]

Excellent review, as always Marianna. Really enjoyed it. I think that A24 are definitely one of the most unique companies out there, considering the variety, and different types of movies that they create. I’m not the biggest fan of theirs, but I do really enjoy some of their films. Really liked the lighthouse especially. Awesome stuff Marianna.👍😃

[@jacksona8436]

I also wasn’t the biggest fan of this movie. The last 20min was INSANE and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. Also, what movies are you hoping to watch this summer?

[@gottagetitgaming7759]

I loved this movie. As much as I wanted to keep looking away, I just couldn't for fear of missing yet another bizarre moment.

[@Ellie-i7q-t5w]

I like this film. I find the chants and screams playing with the soundtrack very effective. My only gripe is that the ending was unsatisfying.

[@thoso1973]

This is a must-see for me. Alex Garland, Jessie Buckley, surreal, grief, horror... YES!

[@ImpressionBlend]

Sounds like the perfect combination of things, doesn't it?

[@thoso1973]

@@ImpressionBlend Yes, just the right experience to make myself wonderfully depressive with. 😄 PS: I really appreciate when you review these small, weird films from time to time; you are one of my favorite reviewers on YT.

[@icebergthegamer]

I honestly don’t think the movie makes everything obvious. There can be multiple interpretations of the story and symbolism for sure. I didn’t love the movie either. The last 3rd of the movie is NUTS. It’s going to turn a lot of people off for sure.

[@inevitableveganfuture3915]

Some metaphors were obvious, while others were just so confusing that they left me wondering what the filmmakers were TRYING to do; ultimately this feels like a failure to effectively communicate whatever idea was behind the film.

[@ivanvorster]

Am I the only one here who didn't find the writing shallow? Because I appreciated the symbolism, the references to the religion and what impact it makes on our society being patriarchic. Also, the Jungian symbols of male individuation, which is impossible without connecting to their female side of the psyche and how men are incapable of achieving wholeness of the soul just because of the sheer fact that they consider women inferior and so cannot make a meaningful connection with their own soul, casting their flowed projections on women. As a man, I see it as a warning and I can relate to all those archetypes of incomplete men shown in the film - a mysogenic teenager craving for female attention, who cannot reconcile his own urges, the vicar idealizing the vagina and losing himself in the exaggerated act of worship, the good guy who thinks he has to solve all her problems just because she is a woman, but actually struggling to do so. It's just the surface of what this movie made me think of and I actually liked this straightforward symbolism because there are layers upon layers of meaning behind it. So it isn't shallow at all.

[@looney1023]

I'm excited to see this but I"m definitely tempering my expectations as I know how divisive it is. RIght now, as a big fan of I May Destroy You, I'm hoping Paapa Essiedu has a larger role in the film than the trailer would suggest...

[@CollectingPlastic]

I couldn't wait to see this because I am a fan of Alex Garland but I seriously think the name of the movie hurts it. I would have rather discovered the theme of the movie and what it was trying to say without the title basically telling me. The title just makes the allegory way too obvious so the ending feels like a let down rather than some big revelation. Just a terrible name for a movie. I still liked it overall because it's pretty original and I was never bored.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Yeaaaa I don't know why they went for such a blunt title

[@charlesspeaksthetruth4334]

The title doesn't bother me. The ending is another story Lol.

[@Travixius1]

This movie has no boundaries...none

[@boxingmonkey8621]

Dealing with grief and loss, toxic relationships and surreal imagery and metaphors . . . . Compared to Anti Christ this is sadly lacking . . . . I hated it and couldn’t wait for it to end

[@christophermactaggart243]

I really liked this film … Every time I watch it I see more and sometimes it changes my perspective on the characters/meaning

[@MiguelMorales-ew6bf]

It’s about the story of Eden as it pertains to misogyny from a woman’s perspective. Its a true story about something disgusting and true. You don’t understand the allegories because they are occult.

[@tel5690]

Everyone is not going to like this movie. I enjoyed it. It deep,bold,methodological and strange. Beautifully shot and it raises questions and discussions. Garland is a different director and not to flashy. He picks top notch actors and actresses. Why I will continue to support what Alex does next.. Jessie Buckley was fantastic and Rory Kinnear was great in multiple parts.

[@minximayhem]

I really wish you had covered the use of "Men" as the title. I'm beyond done with divisive BS in shows and movies pushing quasi political messages. And especially when it's done by a man. Ever since I saw the first trailer I thought this looked interesting but then I see the title and nope right out. An explanation in the review saying one way of the other would have helped me. As it stands this is one movie I'll be avoiding until someone gives me some sort of clarification.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Hmmm is there anything specific you want to know about the title? The movie is exactly what it looks like from the trailer, and yea, the title is... what it is.

[@minximayhem]

@@ImpressionBlend Specific, yes. if it's called "Men" because it's another men are bad, women are victims twisted gender study, then I don't want anything to do with it. To be clear, I own I Spit On Your Grave, Revenge, Death Proof, etc. I like them and don't feel lectured watching them. Everything these days has to be a lecture I don't want. And being a woman who has been abused by other women my whole life as well as men, I doubly do not care to hear that message. I'm not on that team. So yes, I would love to give the movie a chance but not if it's another biased, sideways and frankly hypocritical (it being by Alex Garland for what? social points? haha). If you say that's not the case I'll be happy. If the title "is what it is" and what it is is what I think it is, then no. I won't see it. That's the clarification I needed.

[@minximayhem]

@Edwin I think it has been explored. Have you seen the movies I listed? My issue is if they called Gone Girl "Women" you would have had a lot of pissed off people. But it's okay to call this movie "Men" if it's about female abuse in any capacity. This also brings us back to the divisiveness I don't want. I just want to watch a good movie. I mean I like Alex Garland's films for the most part. I like the first two acts of Sunshine and I don't like Ex Machina at all. Any way... that title is just the worst and totally tone deaf for the times. If he called it "A Man" or "The Man" I would be fine but "Men".. sounds like hashtag bait and a turn off. I mean "Her" isn't about a psychotic AI haha

[@NefariousKoel]

Good point, Minxi. This movie sounds like heavy-handed overcompensation.

[@natalierivera5997]

Alex Garland was thinking of what to name it and he was excited when there were not movies (larger budget I guess) with "Men" as the title. Its a simple title because I think she simply wanted a movie where the audience interprets as they see fit when it comes to men.

[@peterchrisp9003]

appreciate your personal review & your rating as well. When i first saw the 1st trailer it looked quite weird & a little strange, my type of movie, & a few weeks later a 2nd trailer arrives. After seeing both trailers i think it will be released hopefully soon in Australia. I'll be honest i am looking forward to it, did the trailer give too much away? & on the horizon we have NOPE due soon, which i think means Not of planet earth. Would that movie interest you as well? Unless it's gone under the radar,all the best.

[@Pinhou9]

i was waiting so bad for your review of this one, was really curious on the new work of a director that did such 2 great previous movies however dont have any chance no to be a bit let down on your prespective here.im still watching this one for sure but your honest review that i always love just destroied my hype lol, it seems intereting though, like the art, visuals, atmospher, analogies, the simplicity and the stilness i dont know, feels like a nice mistery to be unravel. iam sure my opinion will change after but mother is my favorite one in recent times and loved anihilations end as well very much but now iam not gonna lie i fear that this may disapoit me like Nothman did.keep going and god bless Ukraine

[@rerikm]

so, the whole point of the movie was to push the "agenda" of 'men are bad'??? that's all I could think of the whole movie. I kept watching it till the end hoping that there will be a redeemable scene but clearly that's not the case. from the first part of the movie I could point out few things from that woman that she should have addressed, apologise, change to de escalate the break up, unfortunately she couldn't care less about the guy and let him die for nothing. What an awful woman!

[@artemus80j.4]

This was my least favorite film from Garland. With that said the cinematography and the performance were top notch as usual. Sadly the movie was too pretentious for me and …just a tad bit woke in my opinion.

[@julianfromlegal3740]

I like high concept and horror films. That said, I did not like this film. It didn't lift a finger to help us to understand what was going on in the plot. It was a visual masterpiece, but if there's no exposition to bring the audience along with the story, it makes it difficult for us to connect through our shared experience and understanding of the film. Just my opinion, but it felt like high concept for the sake of high concept

[@ImpressionBlend]

I totally get what you mean, I’m a fan of high concept horror myself, but this was just a big no.

[@DG-gx4sg]

A good film should be asking the audience more questions than it answers

[@julianfromlegal3740]

@@DG-gx4sg In your opinion. And using your standard, the film still fails because it doesn't answer any questions nor does it pose any. It superficially overlays stunning imagery over broad themes with no exposition or framework.

[@CosmicRewind]

Couldn’t agree more

[@toypianos469]

I'm seeing this one tomorrow!

[@asan1050]

THANKS!...

[@griffinkelly8694]

People really had a problem with this movie for being too preachy and trying to say stuff about toxic masculinity. I only watched it last night. My immediate reaction is that its probably Garland's weakest film that I've seen, but also Ex Machina and Annihilation are damn near perfect. I enjoyed the setup of the James killing himself to get revenge on Harper for leaving him. James doesn't use his "strengths" --- money, power, authority, physicality --- to try to get his way. He uses his weakness to try to guilt Harper into staying. I think that's a unique and fairly realistic path to go down to try to discuss what are these really fucked up things some men have done to control women. And Harper was great character played very well by Jessie Buckley. If I was ranking it out of 10, I would probably give it a 7.

[@zanfasoabi7628]

This movie is woke garbage