This movie genuinely saved my life. It helped me come to terms with my transgender identity and gave me the courage to start my transition. The surrealism and existentialism in this film is magnificent as well. And as a bonus for film nerds, the main villain is a direct reference to "A Trip to the Moon" (1902), the first scifi film ever made!
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*Some thematic spoilers maybe? Beware*
Still working out all my thoughts about this movie, it's kinda stream of consciousness atm but wow... All the magic and horror that comes out of media consumption amongst queer teenage suburban isolation... the simultaneous connection and disconnection from others through it.
It also explores neurodivergence, queerness, asexuality, gender identity expression and repression, depression and sometimes suicide (ideation and attempts) amongst the backdrop of media consumption. It's all connected. Media as a portal to other worlds, a portal to other selves, a portal to a place where other people understand and you are empowered and you belong. Blurring the lines between the physical self and a digital projection of a desired self, and the euphoria and horrors that come along with that. All things I heavily relate to.
This is very much a movie for Millennials, Gen Z and Gen A in the best ways possible. I think specifically for teens at the moment but also people who were teens not long ago. I wish this movie was there for me 10 years ago. I won't lie, there are a lot of corny moments as well and some over-use of visuals, but the messages override it all for sure. It's also important to note that the director Jane Schoenbrun is trans and goes by they/them pronouns. Being non-binary myself (among pretty much everything else I mentioned in the 2nd paragraph), this movie made me feel seen and understood.
The music was amazing too!!! Alex G never misses!!! I loved the covers of Anthems and Tonight, Tonight, the fact that they're recent covers really brings us back to the present with a reflection of the past.
Last thing I will say is I wrote a bit about Digital Doubles and Doppelgängers in my Communications program and now really want to explore that again because of this movie.
May 18, 2024
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seriously awesome movie gotta love the color palette
Sep 29, 2024
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was gonna rec this as soon as i left the theatre last night but it seems i slipped into a catatonic state. very very good movie
May 17, 2024
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I saw them open for The Front Bottoms and have been hooked on them ever since. The singers, Tyler and Harlow, both have such distinct voices that work so well with one another. It's honestly addicting to listen to them sing together. Highly recommend them if you're looking for a midwest emo or indie rock sound.
Jan 26, 2025