TRIANGLE OF SADNESS - Review | Cannes Film Festival 2022

Ruben Östlund's latest film not only manages to combine hilarious and outrageous scenarios with thoughtful and philosophical social commentary. But its unconventional story structure along with the excellent ensemble cast make it a film that's consistently engaging to watch unfold. While the film's ending leaves a lot to be desired for lacking a satisfying conclusion, the rest of Triangle of Sadness is a clever and insane satire of the upper-class that never stops surprising the viewer making it the best work of Östlund's filmography thus far.

Still Courtesy - Neon

The film commences following a celebrity couple who are two of the most luxurious fashion models. Carl (portrayed by Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (portrayed by Charlbi Dean) are invited for free to board an opulent yacht along with other wealthy people. Everything on the ship seems nice and pleasant until everyone on board attends the captain's dinner. At that point, nothing on the ship stays the same as before.

Based on the description, this is the kind of film that takes such drastic turns for how the plot progresses that it's best to watch without having that expectation of knowing what's going to happen. The same could be said about Ruben Östlund's previous films including Force Majeure (2014) and the Palme d'Or winner of the 70th Cannes Film Festival, The Square (2017). So Östlund containing outrageous and unforeseen aspects in his films with a darkly comedic tone is nothing new. But Triangle of Sadness not only stands out from his previous films by having its presentation and satire be executed in a far more unique and memorable way. But each actor part of the film's giant ensemble working so well with another along with their character writing is what brings engagement and fun to each event that occurs.

Since much of the film consists of characters interacting with one another about their differences for long periods of time. It allows each of these characters to feel fully realized as to what defines them while adding to the satire. Without spoiling anything, prime examples include a discussion between Carl and Yaya early in the film for who should be paying the bill that satirizes the current status of models and gender roles. Another one ends up being one of the film's most memorable scenes where the captain of the yacht (portrayed by Woody Harrelson) and a rich Russian entrepreneur named Dimitry (portrayed by Zlatko Burić) exchange quotes from writers and politicians that differentiate their capitalist and communist beliefs. This occurs during the film's most insane scene during the captain's dinner that not only has some of the most creative use of dutch angles that's been seen in a while. But it's when the film truly turns into an experience that you can't help but witness its earned unpalatability.

While it may feel like Triangle of Sadness is three different films in one since each act primarily takes place in different settings. Each of the acts end up connecting smoothly with one another due to a natural progression and growth of the primary characters that occurs. But some characters can be complete standouts in only one of the acts including Abigail (portrayed by Dolly de Leon) who becomes the character with the largest presence in its third act. This section does lead to the film's ending which can be best described as feeling incomplete. Not only does a reveal occur that makes the viewer question why that didn't end up contributing to what was happening. But the way the film chooses to end results in many characters lacking any kind of a resolution along with someone committing an act that feels out of character.

Despite the lackluster ending that could be redeemed with a few minutes added to it. Östlund's cast and crew have assembled a hysterical and meaningful film that's relentlessly entertaining throughout its entire two-and-a-half-hour runtime. While its satire may be apparent, it never gets to the point that it feels obnoxious or bloated for how it's delivered. This is easily the best film that the 75th Cannes Film Festival had to offer and a truly worthy winner of the Palme d'Or that's best experienced by seeing it with a crowd.

Verdict

9/10

Still Courtesy - Neon