Horror film titled "Men": A solitary woman confronts numerous terrifying males
In the heart of the English countryside, a Londoner named Harper, played by Jessie Buckley, seeks solace and healing in a holiday cottage, fleeing from the trauma of her husband's tragic death. However, her peaceful retreat soon becomes a nightmare as she is stalked by an unseen presence that emerges from the surrounding woods.
The horror film "Men," directed by British filmmaker Alex Garland, serves as a chilling critique of toxic masculinity. The various male characters Harper encounters appear as different versions of a disturbing, shape-shifting figure, symbolizing manifestations of male aggression, control, and violence.
Harper's landlord, Geoffrey, exudes a sleazy and eerie demeanor, while a misogynistic teenage boy harasses her outside the church. A priest, who initially seems to offer comfort, instead blames her for her husband's death. Even the local police, despite their attempts to help, can't seem to fully comprehend the extent of Harper's ordeal.
One of the unique aspects of "Men" is the performance of Rory Kinnear, who plays almost all the men in the village, thanks to digital trickery. This includes a naked, scarred man who chases Harper and stands naked in front of her cottage window. Another unsettling encounter involves an exhibitionist who is taken away by the police.
The film's narrative evolves from simmering dread into a fully-formed nightmare that manifests Harper’s darkest memories and fears. The horror elements serve to highlight the pervasive and haunting nature of toxic masculinity and its psychological impact on women.
Alex Garland, known for plunging ordinary people into bottomless abysses, as demonstrated in "The Beach," "28 Days Later," and "Ex Machina," delivers another thought-provoking and unsettling film with "Men." The exploration of toxic masculinity, while superficial at times, is a powerful commentary on the oppressive nature of male dominance and its effects on women.
Despite the terrors that beset her, Harper perseveres, seeking to escape the clutches of her stalker and find peace. The film ends with an air of uncertainty, leaving viewers to ponder the true nature of the horrors Harper has faced and the lingering impact of toxic masculinity on her life.
"Men" premieres on the Second channel on Monday, 7th July, at 10:15 PM. For those unable to catch it on TV, the film will be available for streaming on ZDF's streaming portal from Sunday, 6th July, at 10:00 AM, and will remain available for a month.
The horror film "Men," directed by Alex Garland, is a chilling critique of toxic masculinity within the genre of movies-and-tv, serving as entertainment. The various male characters, including Harper's landlord, a priest, and several village men, symbolize manifestations of male aggression, control, and violence, a topic that is explored throughout the film.
