Watch Triangle of Sadness

Triangle of Sadness is a satirical dark comedy that delves into themes of class struggle, power dynamics, and societal standards of beauty. Directed by Ruben Östlund, who is known for his sharp social critiques and biting humor, the film captivates the audience with its bold narrative and unique character explorations. The plot centers around Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean), a fashion model couple who are both navigating the fast-paced and superficial world of modeling. Carl, portrayed by Dickinson, is a rising male model struggling to assert his value in the industry, which often prizes his girlfriend's beauty over his own. Meanwhile, Yaya, played by Dean, is at the peak of her career but faces the inevitable ticking clock that the fashion industry imposes on women.

Their relationship, though seemingly glamorous, is riddled with power imbalances and passive-aggressive exchanges, primarily centered around their professional lives and societal expectations. The couple are invited on a luxury cruise specifically tailored for the ultra-rich, representing the crème de la crème of high society. It's here that the movie expands its satirical scope to lampoon the wealthy elite and their out-of-touch antics.

On this super yacht, owned by a Russian oligarch, the audience encounters a varied ensemble of characters that includes a British arms dealer played by Woody Harrelson, an aloof Russian oligarch, and a group of eccentric, wealthy passengers, each of whom embodies a caricature of their respective social standings. The crew, led by Paula (Vicki Berlin), a no-nonsense staff head, caters to every whim and fancy of these privileged guests, maintaining a veneer of civility and service with an undertone of resentment.

Thobias Thorwid plays the role of a crew member whose experiences on the yacht offers another perspective on the stark class divides and the absurdities of the pampered guests. His character, caught up in the chaos of service and demands, is a crucial part of the film's exploration of social hierarchies.

The satirical journey intensifies when all guests and crew members participate in a decadent Captain's dinner. This opulent event is a turning point in the film that irrevocably alters the power dynamics among the characters. Without delving into spoiler territory, an unforeseen set of events occur that leave the passengers and crew in a drastically different circumstance, one where their social status becomes irrelevant and survival instincts take precedence.

As the narrative progresses, what ensues is a brilliant social commentary on the artificial structures of our societal system. The film touches on how the constructs of beauty, wealth, and social class are superficial armor that can quickly disintegrate in the face of human vulnerability and nature's unpredictability. Trapped in this new reality, the characters must navigate a world without the societal markers that once defined them, revealing their true selves in the process.

Östlund's direction is incisive and exacting, employing uncomfortably long takes and dramatic irony to both comedic and unsettling effect. The film's title, Triangle of Sadness, is a term used in the beauty industry for the area between the eyebrows that often shows signs of aging, a fitting metaphor for the characters' obsession with surface appearance and the underlying discontent these preoccupations mask.

The cinematography underscores the dichotomy between opulence and discomfort, starting with polished, pristine shots of the luxury liner and evolving to much more visceral and unvarnished imagery as the situation devolves. Coupled with the film's trenchant script, the visuals paint a stark portrait of the absurdity and fragility of our social fabric.

Triangle of Sadness boasts unflinching performances that strike a perfect balance between humor and pathos, with each actor fully embracing the satirical tone of the movie. Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean deliver poignant portrayals of their character's superficially enviable yet deeply unsatisfying existence, while the supporting cast shines in their representation of various societal archetypes, offering a nuanced look at class and privilege.

With biting humor and a provocative storyline, Triangle of Sadness is a masterclass in social satire, holding up a mirror to the audience and challenging them to reflect on the arbitrary and sometimes ridiculous values we cling to. Its sharp commentary on wealth, beauty, and societal expectations makes it a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, leaving viewers with lingering questions about their own place in the world's hierarchy long after the credits roll.

Triangle of Sadness is a 2022 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 63.