Triangle of Sadness

Ruben Östlund's 'Triangle of Sadness' tackles wealth and class with a satirical twist, but does it all land as intended? What starts as social commentary occasionally veers into drawn-out absurdity.

Luxury Turns to Survival

The film follows a celebrity model couple, Carl and Yaya, who board an extravagant cruise meant for the ultra-wealthy. Initially, life on the ship is filled with luxury and Instagram-ready moments. However, things take a dark turn when the ship begins to sink, leaving a handful of survivors stranded on a deserted island. Here, the power dynamics shift dramatically, with the former elite now forced to confront their vulnerabilities. The film uses this premise to explore themes like class disparity and societal roles, but its critique can feel heavy-handed and stretched over the lengthy runtime.

Mixed Performances

The performances in 'Triangle of Sadness' range from engaging to forgettable. Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean offer solid portrayals of Carl and Yaya, but their characters lack sufficient depth for us to care about their fates. Dolly de Leon, playing Abigail, stands out with her fierce and assertive performance, embodying the film's critique of class struggles. Woody Harrelson's Captain, while amusing at times, feels underutilized and could have added more complexity if given more screen time. Overall, the ensemble is competent, yet some characters feel more like caricatures than fully realized individuals.

Satirical Visuals

Östlund's direction leans heavily on satire, which sometimes works but also risks alienating viewers with its repetitive commentary. The film's visual style is polished, with sharp cinematography capturing both the opulence of the cruise and the bleakness of the deserted island. Yet, the pacing suffers in the second act, where drawn-out scenes dilute the impact of the film's sharp humor. The transitions from a luxurious life to survival tactics could have been more dynamically represented, as the tonal shifts occasionally disrupt the flow.

Engaging but Drags

Watching 'Triangle of Sadness' can be a mixed bag. While it has its moments of biting humor and sharp social commentary, it also features stretches that drag on far too long, leading to moments of disengagement. The film challenges viewers to reflect on privilege and survival, but its heavy-handedness can lead to frustration rather than enlightenment. By the time we reach the climax, the initial intrigue may have fizzled out, leaving a sense of fatigue rather than satisfaction.