Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
Recommended by my star-powered, producer nephew, Will Anderson, I lustily viewed with vast anticipation; directed by trans and non-binary filmmaker, Jane Schoenbrun I found it compelling, confounding but incomprehensible, I reached out to him for enlightenment; his perceptions, salient and introspective are worthy of quoting in entirety:
It really moved me in a strange way. And I think you may be right about a generational element. Growing up with online forums and chat communities, the film’s portrayal of the internet as a lonely and desolate place really struck me. It’s a world wide spider web of people desperately searching for a connection, a community, a home. But the connection vanishes when the computer turns off, leaving them alone once again.
Its premise is based around a community of people creating lore about “The World’s Fair Challenge.” Some of the lore is silly and clearly fake and some is vastly more compelling, making you pause momentarily to wonder if there is actually something supernatural afoot.
I think the last scene perfectly captures the horror of the Director’s message/theme. The man recounts his last meeting with Casey, talking about how they met for coffee in the city (or something like that, it’s been a year or two since I saw it). At first, you believe what he’s saying, but something is clearly off. It takes a couple minutes before doubt starts to creep in.. This is a man that makes things up on the internet all day long.. he crafts stories and posts them on online forums.. what is to say that he is not making up his story about meeting Casey?
I don’t think they ever met. He doesn’t have the satisfaction of knowing that she is okay. And we (the audience) don’t either. She may have hurt herself, or ended up in an institution, or perhaps she just grew tired of the game and stopped contributing. The ambiguity is haunting. That is the beauty and horror of the internet. You are anonymous. You can be lost forever if you choose.
Ultimately, it’s a depressing but increasingly relevant message. Younger generations are forgoing flesh and blood relationships for digital ones at an alarming rate and it doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon.
I could rattle on about plenty of other aspects of the film but I think it was quite special! I didn’t like “I Saw the TV Glow” nearly as much but it still has its moments. Regardless, I think the Director is one to keep an eye on!
Will, forever grateful for your youth, wisdom and avid support of Peneflix.
FIVE STARS!!!!!
Peneflix
