Triangle of Sadness

Triangle of Sadness (2022) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

Triangle of Sadness (2022), directed by Ruben Östlund, is a dark satirical comedy that takes a biting look at the absurdities of wealth, power, and the superficial nature of the fashion industry. The film won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, marking Östlund’s second time winning the award, following his 2017 film The Square. With a sharp script and an ensemble cast, including Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, and Woody Harrelson, the film delivers a provocative commentary on class and privilege in a modern context.

Plot Summary

Triangle of Sadness is divided into three distinct acts, each exploring different facets of power dynamics and social hierarchies:

1. The Couple: The film begins with the introduction of Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean), a young, attractive couple who work as fashion models. Their relationship is defined by their professional image and the societal expectations placed on them. Carl, who feels emasculated by his inability to match Yaya’s success, grapples with the superficiality of their relationship, particularly as they navigate the power imbalance between genders and the financial tension in their relationship.
2. The Luxury Yacht: The second act shifts the setting to a luxurious yacht where Carl and Yaya are invited as influencers. The yacht is filled with wealthy guests, including Russian oligarchs, tech billionaires, and other affluent individuals. The ship’s crew is instructed to cater to the guests’ every whim, no matter how absurd. Woody Harrelson plays the yacht’s alcoholic Marxist captain, whose disdain for his guests adds another layer of irony to the narrative. A series of unfortunate events during a storm lead to the ultimate downfall of the yacht and its passengers, flipping the established social hierarchy on its head.
3. The Island: The final act finds the survivors stranded on a deserted island, where the social order is completely reversed. The wealthy, once pampered and powerful, are now helpless and must rely on Abigail (Dolly de Leon), a toilet cleaner from the yacht who proves to be the only one with survival skills. As the group’s new leader, Abigail holds all the power, forcing the former elites to re-evaluate their worth and dependence on those they previously considered beneath them.

Critical Reception

Triangle of Sadness has been widely praised for its sharp social commentary, dark humor, and the boldness with which it addresses the themes of inequality, power, and the ridiculousness of the luxury lifestyle.

Strengths:

• Sharp Satire: Ruben Östlund’s script and direction are razor-sharp, delivering a scathing critique of class structures and the absurdities of wealth. The film’s humor is biting, often exposing the shallow nature of the elite class and their detachment from reality.
• Strong Performances: The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances, with Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean portraying the complexities of their characters’ relationship convincingly. Dolly de Leon stands out as Abigail, whose role becomes increasingly pivotal in the film’s later stages. Woody Harrelson brings a wry humor to his role as the disillusioned captain, adding another layer of irony to the film.
• Visual and Narrative Boldness: The film’s structure, divided into three acts, allows Östlund to explore different settings and power dynamics, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging. The luxury yacht sequence, in particular, is visually striking and effectively uses physical comedy to drive home its satire.
• Social Commentary: The film doesn’t shy away from making bold statements about society’s obsession with wealth, beauty, and status. It questions the value we place on these constructs and forces the audience to confront the uncomfortable truths about social inequality.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing: The film’s deliberate pacing, particularly in the first act, may not appeal to all viewers. The slow build-up to the yacht sequence might feel drawn out, but it serves to set the stage for the chaos that ensues.
• Divisive Tone: The film’s dark humor and satirical edge might not resonate with everyone. Some viewers may find the satire too heavy-handed or the characters too caricatured to connect with emotionally.
• Unconventional Structure: The film’s tripartite structure, while innovative, might disorient some viewers, as each act has a distinct tone and focus. This could lead to a fragmented viewing experience for those expecting a more traditional narrative arc.

Themes and Analysis

Triangle of Sadness delves into several significant themes:

1. Power and Class: The film explores how power dynamics shift depending on context. The wealthy guests on the yacht, who are used to commanding respect and obedience, find themselves powerless on the island, dependent on the skills of someone they would have previously dismissed. This inversion highlights the arbitrary nature of social hierarchies.
2. Superficiality of Beauty and Wealth: Through Carl and Yaya’s relationship, the film critiques the superficial values that define modern society, particularly in the fashion and influencer industries. The “triangle of sadness” itself, a reference to the furrow between the eyebrows often erased in cosmetic procedures, symbolizes the trivial concerns of the privileged class.
3. Survival and Human Nature: The island setting brings out the primal instincts of the characters, stripping away their social pretensions and forcing them to confront their basic human needs. The film suggests that in the end, survival is the ultimate equalizer, rendering wealth and status meaningless.
4. Satire of Modern Society: Östlund uses absurdity and dark humor to reflect the ridiculousness of the modern world, where the value of a person is often measured by their wealth, appearance, or social media influence. The film’s satire extends to all levels of society, leaving no one unscathed.

Where to Watch Triangle of Sadness Online

Triangle of Sadness is available on several streaming platforms and for rental/purchase online:

1. Streaming Services

• Hulu: Triangle of Sadness may be available on Hulu, which often features a selection of recent and acclaimed films.
• Amazon Prime Video: The film might be available to stream with an Amazon Prime subscription.
• HBO Max: Depending on regional availability, Triangle of Sadness could be part of HBO Max’s extensive movie library.

2. Rental/Purchase Services

• Amazon Video: The film is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Video. Rental prices typically start at $5.99, with purchase options around $14.99.
• Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers rental and purchase options for Triangle of Sadness, with similar pricing to Amazon.
• Apple iTunes: The film can be rented or purchased on iTunes, with rental prices starting at $5.99 and purchase options available for around $14.99.
• Vudu: Vudu provides rental and purchase options for the film, with standard pricing.

Conclusion

Triangle of Sadness (2022) is a bold, thought-provoking satire that exposes the absurdities of wealth, power, and the superficial values that dominate modern society. With its sharp script, strong performances, and striking visual style, the film is both a comedic and unsettling exploration of class and survival.

Available on various streaming and rental platforms, Triangle of Sadness is a must-watch for fans of dark comedies, social critiques, and films that challenge the status quo. Its narrative structure and thematic depth make it a film that lingers long after the credits roll, sparking conversations about the nature of privilege, power, and humanity.