I’ll tell you as a trans woman: you got it dead on. The overarching theme imo is exploring how it feels to live your life how others want you to, and not how YOU want live it. The film is definitely tackling this from a queer perspective, but this feeling isn’t exclusive to queer folks. Lots of people grow up in families that expect them to dress a certain way, have a certain career, have children, take care of abusive parents in old age, and so on. All of those expectations become an emotional weight that drains the joy from our lives. This joyless existence is what this film depicts perfectly. There’s definitely a layer of additional meaning if you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I was sobbing at Isabel being buried, because that’s always been how I describe what I did to my inner girl for 30 years. Just beat her up and buried her in a hole. Great film and great review! Really appreciate you pointing people to trans reviewers as well.
I completely agree! I think at its core, these struggles are very human struggles that anyone can relate to. I’m glad the film meant even more to you and your perspective!
first non trans review ive seen that actually understood the movie!!! Your review is great and just for future reference Brigette goes by they/them! You comparing the vhs tape leaving to the sleepaway camp lake meetup... never thought of that and wowowowow thats crazy!
I legitimately pieced that together in the moment I mentioned it in the video. So good! Also noted on Brigette’s pronouns! Can’t wait to see what they do next
I thought this film was WAY more experimental than “we’re all going to the world’ss fair.” The soundtrack and budget make it slightly more accessible though. Absolutely beautiful film. I can’t wait to watch it again.
Update: I just saw it again today and got so emotional near the end, and could barely talk about it with my sister, who saw it with me, without choking up. This film is just so sad. Somehow, on the second viewing, it seemed WAY more sad. I think I applied it to my life a bit too much….
I saw it twice and it was somehow different the second time. I related to it so much. It's pretty much very similar to my own story and i was pretty similar to Owen growing up in the 90s. Such an amazing film, I can't wait to watch it a lot more times. It's such a beautiful film.
4:49 definitely a nod to that film, but even more specifically, the music video for Tonight, Tonight by Smashing Pumpkins (who are covered in the film) is an homage to "A Trip To The Moon" and the song Tonight, Tonight is on the album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness", so "Mr. Melancholy" is for sure a reference to all those things.
Certain audience members laughing at Owen’s breakdown sounds like it would be heartbreaking, but in a strange way it almost enhances the movie, turning them into unwitting participants. Like… They are the manager, the partygoers, his Dad. They’re proving the movie right, in a sense.
Talking w friends I def need to rewatch. I think I didn't fully accept that is was meant to be abstract, and I appreciate it after the fact. Thanks for making an entertaining commentary on it.
I think the part where Owen breaks deeply resonates with queer people specifically. It was personally one of the hardest scenes for me to sit through I loved this movie a lot
This movie is easily one of my favorites of the year. I found the allegory so perfect in execution that I was left speechless. The segment where Owen is walking down the street and you get a bird's eye view of a simple slogan, "It's never too late," made me cry intensely after thinking about it once I got home. Like as a trans woman who started socially and medically transitioning at 25, I can say that it truly is never too late. This is the happiest life has ever allowed me to be, and that's because I decided to live life as the person I knew I always was. Was it terrifying? Of course! I was so scared about how family and friends would react, but I had to do it because I knew that I could not live like how I was - it would've killed me eventually. The ending of the film and the regrets that continue to mount in Owen's life are what broke me. Also, Luna Jucie looks like hrt pills that didn't dissolve all the way. Excellent review!
I would argue that its not a sad ending because we don't know what Iwen is going to do next. The psychic trap is in will prevent him from escaping as it it did when he watched the final episode of the show. He could be apologizing as a cover. Literally cutting yourself open is a drastic action that keeass to a confirmation that the ahow brings him joy. He could be on his way to escaping. As kong as he doesn't die in the Midnight realm he can still aave himself and Maddie.
I saw this movie and am also a cis-gendered man, but also connected with it on a personal level in other ways. To me the relevant part of the film is definitely the feeling I get when trying to live up to norms I don't understand or even agree with, where i sometimes end up playing a character to hide who I am and how i feel. I'm so glad art like this exists, that reminds me that maybe I'm not alone, and that there are ways to engage in conversations that can express these feelings in a constructive way. One of the best films I've seen in years.
The only thing I think I disagree about your take on is the ending as our main character walks through the fun zone they don't have the same telltale "dead inside" look yo indicate they went back to full denial. It more seems to imply it isn't too late for her to break out and truly be herself. She seems a lot more at peace in that scene. It's a important message I think because sometimes people feel like they wasted too much time and are too old to transition. Regardless, I really loved your take on it!
I’ve been watching you for a while now. A few years. Have you ever thought about doing lil skits or other things that could change up the formula of your videos? Or I think at least would be interesting to hear (if you are even interested in these types of things) about if you had ideas about creating your own film or stories. Have you ever been interested in being a storyteller yourself? If so care to share any of your ideas?
I’ve done a few skits before some videos! My favorite was the little short I made for my Skinamarink video and after I posted this I did think of an idea for this film but it was a little too late. If a film really inspires me I’ll usually think of something so I’ll try and do more stuff like that since it is so fun And yes I do want to work in the film industry! Being a storyteller is definitely my passion and analysis of films like these are my true film school!
Unironically, to me this movie was a comedy lol. The line delivery, rather than alluring, was just funny to me, that (not really a spoiler) long music video-esque moment like half way through? So long to the point of being ridiculous to me (admittedly can’t recall any of the lyrics beyond the ceiling being painted black line, so not sure if they were actually relevant). The fucking “industrial freezer” line? Took me OUT lol. Im actually surprised you said ppl in your audience found the breakdown at the end funny since that was the only portion of the movie that I was fully there with owen and felt a sense of dread and mentally thinking “run, get the fuck out of there” regardless of the how (either escaping the to the “real world” or escaping the life owen buried themselves into) I’d picked up in the trans comparisons/undertones, but at the time of watching I wasn’t sure if I was just reading too far into it. Looking back now that I know it was intentional makes so many scenes so much stronger with the understanding of what the underlying meaning is saying. I think one of my favorite aspects of the movie (besides the awesome visuals) was the parallels between the side characters in the “real world” and the midnight realm. Beyond the two henchmen and those two dudes Owen is always forced around, I personally interpret owen’s dad as being the icecream man from the “real world.” There was a shot of him in the living room and his expression and washed out face just felt so similar to the monster imo. Overall, really loved the movie. Wish we coulda had more scenes from the pink opaque and its monsters just cuz Im a sucker for the visuals of every one of those scenes. Was a bit 50/50 on the ending mostly due to how abrupt it felt. I’ll shut up now lol. Awesome video!
It's interesting to see other peoples' perspectives on this. I found their manner of speaking very appropriate and relatable as a neurodivergent queer person who has felt out of touch with life and reality many times in the past. It seems entirely intentional and makes a lot of sense, and adds to the weight of the characters' disillusionment. I also found the music performances to be incredibly emotionally impactful. I guess I can see why some people would find some moments funny, but I didn't feel that way at all the entire movie.
@@leahmoss3381”out of touch with life and reality” actually makes a lot of sense, i hadn’t thought of it that way but it definitely fits the themes of the movie. The few other things I’ve seen Justice Smith act in carried a similar line delivery so i kinda just assumed that was partially just the actor lol. What about the stage performance at the bar did you find emotionally impactful? It’s possible i missed something in the scene/lyrics but even reflecting back on it now I can’t really figure out what the intended goal of the extended focus on the singer was to the overall narrative or even on a more personal level with the MCs
@@Grass-seedling Yeah, i remember this one friend of a friend who went with us to see Cloud Atlas in 2012. When the film was over, they scoffed "I hate it when films try to be clever." I wanted to say, "Just admit that it went over your head and you didn't get it, okay?"
This is the first review of the movie that actually gets it! Thank you for seeking out trans reviewers too; looking forward to seeing more!
It wasn’t that good just because you understand the point doesn’t make it good
Sorry you didn’t enjoy it! But just because you didn’t like it, doesn’t mean others can’t
I’ll tell you as a trans woman: you got it dead on. The overarching theme imo is exploring how it feels to live your life how others want you to, and not how YOU want live it.
The film is definitely tackling this from a queer perspective, but this feeling isn’t exclusive to queer folks. Lots of people grow up in families that expect them to dress a certain way, have a certain career, have children, take care of abusive parents in old age, and so on.
All of those expectations become an emotional weight that drains the joy from our lives. This joyless existence is what this film depicts perfectly.
There’s definitely a layer of additional meaning if you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I was sobbing at Isabel being buried, because that’s always been how I describe what I did to my inner girl for 30 years. Just beat her up and buried her in a hole.
Great film and great review! Really appreciate you pointing people to trans reviewers as well.
I completely agree! I think at its core, these struggles are very human struggles that anyone can relate to. I’m glad the film meant even more to you and your perspective!
I’m not trans or queer (but I do my best to be an ally) but I still connected to this absolutely brilliant work of art
first non trans review ive seen that actually understood the movie!!! Your review is great and just for future reference Brigette goes by they/them! You comparing the vhs tape leaving to the sleepaway camp lake meetup... never thought of that and wowowowow thats crazy!
I legitimately pieced that together in the moment I mentioned it in the video. So good! Also noted on Brigette’s pronouns! Can’t wait to see what they do next
I thought this film was WAY more experimental than “we’re all going to the world’ss fair.” The soundtrack and budget make it slightly more accessible though. Absolutely beautiful film. I can’t wait to watch it again.
Update: I just saw it again today and got so emotional near the end, and could barely talk about it with my sister, who saw it with me, without choking up. This film is just so sad. Somehow, on the second viewing, it seemed WAY more sad. I think I applied it to my life a bit too much….
I saw it twice and it was somehow different the second time. I related to it so much. It's pretty much very similar to my own story and i was pretty similar to Owen growing up in the 90s. Such an amazing film, I can't wait to watch it a lot more times. It's such a beautiful film.
@@jdncat completely agree. I wasn’t much like Owen on the outside, but on the inside I felt a lot like him.
The skinamarink poster is so appropriate here somehow
Yes! I usually always have a poster that fits the vibe of the review and this one was the only one I could think of for this film
Justice Smith deserves an Oscar.
So does Brigette Lundy-Paine. That monologue split up between the bar and the inflatable planetarium was amazing.
4:49 definitely a nod to that film, but even more specifically, the music video for Tonight, Tonight by Smashing Pumpkins (who are covered in the film) is an homage to "A Trip To The Moon" and the song Tonight, Tonight is on the album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness", so "Mr. Melancholy" is for sure a reference to all those things.
Btw, Bridget Lundy-Paine is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns I think.
Certain audience members laughing at Owen’s breakdown sounds like it would be heartbreaking, but in a strange way it almost enhances the movie, turning them into unwitting participants. Like… They are the manager, the partygoers, his Dad. They’re proving the movie right, in a sense.
Love this take. It made the atmosphere of the theater feel so wrong which probably helped with the unease I felt in the moment!
Talking w friends I def need to rewatch. I think I didn't fully accept that is was meant to be abstract, and I appreciate it after the fact. Thanks for making an entertaining commentary on it.
I think the part where Owen breaks deeply resonates with queer people specifically. It was personally one of the hardest scenes for me to sit through
I loved this movie a lot
great review! Bridget uses they/them pronouns btw!
I wasn’t aware! I’ll remember for the next film they are in (which I will definitely be watching)
This movie is easily one of my favorites of the year. I found the allegory so perfect in execution that I was left speechless. The segment where Owen is walking down the street and you get a bird's eye view of a simple slogan, "It's never too late," made me cry intensely after thinking about it once I got home. Like as a trans woman who started socially and medically transitioning at 25, I can say that it truly is never too late. This is the happiest life has ever allowed me to be, and that's because I decided to live life as the person I knew I always was. Was it terrifying? Of course! I was so scared about how family and friends would react, but I had to do it because I knew that I could not live like how I was - it would've killed me eventually.
The ending of the film and the regrets that continue to mount in Owen's life are what broke me. Also, Luna Jucie looks like hrt pills that didn't dissolve all the way. Excellent review!
I would argue that its not a sad ending because we don't know what Iwen is going to do next. The psychic trap is in will prevent him from escaping as it it did when he watched the final episode of the show. He could be apologizing as a cover. Literally cutting yourself open is a drastic action that keeass to a confirmation that the ahow brings him joy. He could be on his way to escaping. As kong as he doesn't die in the Midnight realm he can still aave himself and Maddie.
This is a great glass is half full mentality I wish I had haha
I saw this movie and am also a cis-gendered man, but also connected with it on a personal level in other ways.
To me the relevant part of the film is definitely the feeling I get when trying to live up to norms I don't understand or even agree with, where i sometimes end up playing a character to hide who I am and how i feel.
I'm so glad art like this exists, that reminds me that maybe I'm not alone, and that there are ways to engage in conversations that can express these feelings in a constructive way.
One of the best films I've seen in years.
Thanks for your perspective on the film! It was nice seeing a reviewer who really engaged with the film in the same way that I did.
The only thing I think I disagree about your take on is the ending as our main character walks through the fun zone they don't have the same telltale "dead inside" look yo indicate they went back to full denial. It more seems to imply it isn't too late for her to break out and truly be herself. She seems a lot more at peace in that scene. It's a important message I think because sometimes people feel like they wasted too much time and are too old to transition.
Regardless, I really loved your take on it!
I might just be a bit too cynical haha. The abruptness made me feel the way I did so maybe I should look at it more positively next time I watch it!
Great review, this movie was definitely one of my favorite I've seen in a very, very long time.
This is my favorite review and I’ve seen a lot since I watched the movie. You get it!
You nailed it, dude. Not one review I read mentioned the buried alive concept
I ADORE this movie
easily my favorite movie of the year
going to need you to start a podcast asap!! loved this review!
I’ve been watching you for a while now. A few years. Have you ever thought about doing lil skits or other things that could change up the formula of your videos?
Or I think at least would be interesting to hear (if you are even interested in these types of things) about if you had ideas about creating your own film or stories. Have you ever been interested in being a storyteller yourself? If so care to share any of your ideas?
I’ve done a few skits before some videos! My favorite was the little short I made for my Skinamarink video and after I posted this I did think of an idea for this film but it was a little too late. If a film really inspires me I’ll usually think of something so I’ll try and do more stuff like that since it is so fun
And yes I do want to work in the film industry! Being a storyteller is definitely my passion and analysis of films like these are my true film school!
Unironically, to me this movie was a comedy lol. The line delivery, rather than alluring, was just funny to me, that (not really a spoiler) long music video-esque moment like half way through? So long to the point of being ridiculous to me (admittedly can’t recall any of the lyrics beyond the ceiling being painted black line, so not sure if they were actually relevant). The fucking “industrial freezer” line? Took me OUT lol. Im actually surprised you said ppl in your audience found the breakdown at the end funny since that was the only portion of the movie that I was fully there with owen and felt a sense of dread and mentally thinking “run, get the fuck out of there” regardless of the how (either escaping the to the “real world” or escaping the life owen buried themselves into)
I’d picked up in the trans comparisons/undertones, but at the time of watching I wasn’t sure if I was just reading too far into it. Looking back now that I know it was intentional makes so many scenes so much stronger with the understanding of what the underlying meaning is saying.
I think one of my favorite aspects of the movie (besides the awesome visuals) was the parallels between the side characters in the “real world” and the midnight realm. Beyond the two henchmen and those two dudes Owen is always forced around, I personally interpret owen’s dad as being the icecream man from the “real world.” There was a shot of him in the living room and his expression and washed out face just felt so similar to the monster imo.
Overall, really loved the movie. Wish we coulda had more scenes from the pink opaque and its monsters just cuz Im a sucker for the visuals of every one of those scenes. Was a bit 50/50 on the ending mostly due to how abrupt it felt. I’ll shut up now lol. Awesome video!
It's interesting to see other peoples' perspectives on this. I found their manner of speaking very appropriate and relatable as a neurodivergent queer person who has felt out of touch with life and reality many times in the past. It seems entirely intentional and makes a lot of sense, and adds to the weight of the characters' disillusionment. I also found the music performances to be incredibly emotionally impactful. I guess I can see why some people would find some moments funny, but I didn't feel that way at all the entire movie.
@@leahmoss3381”out of touch with life and reality” actually makes a lot of sense, i hadn’t thought of it that way but it definitely fits the themes of the movie. The few other things I’ve seen Justice Smith act in carried a similar line delivery so i kinda just assumed that was partially just the actor lol.
What about the stage performance at the bar did you find emotionally impactful? It’s possible i missed something in the scene/lyrics but even reflecting back on it now I can’t really figure out what the intended goal of the extended focus on the singer was to the overall narrative or even on a more personal level with the MCs
This movie sucked
This is the worst movie I have seen this year. And I saw Miller's Girl and Drive-Away Dolls.
just say you didn't get it
I know it's hard to understand complex film 🥺
@@Grass-seedling Yeah, i remember this one friend of a friend who went with us to see Cloud Atlas in 2012. When the film was over, they scoffed "I hate it when films try to be clever." I wanted to say, "Just admit that it went over your head and you didn't get it, okay?"