Triangle of Sadness
TRIANGLE OF SADNESS [2022]
Starring: Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean Kriek, Dolly De Leon
An absurd, surreal romp of a movie, ‘Triangle of Sadness’ was a delight to watch. Although it may not be ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ level absurd, I think the extended vomiting scene may just speak for itself. Almost bringing theatre back to life, the movie was split into three distinct acts with wildly different settings. It is a dark social satire and unflinchingly takes aim at the super rich and their absurdities.
The first part, and probably the most subtly intriguing one, is centred around two model-cum-influencers and the simmering gender politics in their relationship. The extended scene where they fight over the bill at a restaurant was a great watch, albeit slightly strange. I was slightly startled by Harris Dickinson’s performance in that scene - it was a little bit uncomfortable to watch.
From there, the movie moves to the second part, which is set on a super luxury yacht for the uber-rich. The influencers have been given a free trip on the yacht and there they rub shoulders with the elite. The yacht part is reminiscent of the ‘upstairs, downstairs’ concept popularised by Downton Abbey, where a strict hierarchy divides the wealthy upstairs from the immigrant workers below, who work invisibly behind the scenes to cater to every whim of the guests. The movie turns absurdist in this part, populated by characters like a sweet old British couple who turn out to be hand grenade manufacturers. The second part culminates in the lengthiest scene ever dedicated to people throwing up, as the cruise ship encounters a violent storm.
Shipwrecked on a small island, the small group of survivors try to rally together. Here, the movie enters ‘Lord of the Flies’ territory as power dynamics shift and previous prestige and privilege are suddenly meaningless. The end, when it comes, leaves the viewers with a classic cliffhanger. It’s safe to say that this movie left lots to the imagination.
The acting was not astounding anywhere, really, but it was rather the messages that the movie brought forward which was the reason that it bagged an Oscar nomination.
Did the movie drag at places? Yes. Did I think that 20 minutes could have easily been cut from the movie? Yes. Was it worth watching? Also yes.
7/10
