Films

Men

Contributed

10 Sep 2022 — 1 min read

By Jack Weir

Alex Garland’s latest film is a hilariously harrowing folk horror film that criticises toxic masculinity with nuance and subtlety. Garland previously revitalised contemporary science-fiction with his high-concept character study Ex-Machina and sprawling epic Annihilation, now flexing his cinematic muscles as an auteur by tackling a refreshingly new genre. 

Men follows Jessie Buckley as Harper, who after the death of her ex-husband decides to recover on a solo holiday at a remote estate in the English countryside. Rory Kinnear also stars with a career-best performance, impressively playing many distinct characters with skill and certainty. Kinnear portrays the owner of the estate as well as a vicar, a cop, a young boy, and a perpetually naked madman – all as convincingly as the last. 

At the showing I attended, it was clear the audience was unsure how to react to the film’s blend of absurdist humour and emotional dramatics. This mutation of genre compliments its uncanny body-horror sequences, consistently catching the viewer off-guard. Garland is bold in his artistic vision without being self-indulgent, clearly having fun with the film to guarantee its accessibility. 

I have a great respect for this film in its assured ability to challenge the viewer with uncomfortable ideas and unsettling visuals – it’s been a while since I’ve been able to watch a film in my head after the fact. Men is a visceral experience not for the faint of heart, but if you’re feeling brave it is like nothing you’ll watch this year.

Jack Weir studies Film at  Edinburgh Napier University.

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