Diving into the twisted charm of Netflix's "Delicious": A dark reflection on society's cravings
- by Amelie Graen
- 2 Min
Netflix's tantalizing new offering - "Netflix's "Delicious" Explains Its Popularity: Unraveling the Secret Behind Its Success"
In the modern cinematic universe, success seems to be as simple as cooking up a platter of well-off elites faced with misfortune, seasoned with sharp doses of social satire. Films like "Parasite," "Saltburn," "Triangle of Sadness," and the hit series "White Lotus" have savored rave reviews among viewers, leaving a hunger for more. The latest addition to this delectable menu on Netflix is the German film "Delicious."
Instead of merely watching the wealthy squander their fortunes, it appears that audiences now derive pleasure from their misery. But what's the reason behind this strange fascination? Is it mere schadenfreude, or is there more to it?
"Delicious" sets the table with a young woman, Teodora, from humble beginnings, feigning injury to seep into the household of a wealthy family. Her plan works, and she finds herself work as a maid, welcomed with sympathy by the couple. Through cunning manipulations, Teodora befriends each family member by tapping into their inherent desires, eventually transforming into more than just an employee - she becomes a part of the family.
However, things soon take an unexpected turn. Teodora orchestrates a romantic liaison between Esther (Valerie Pachner) and one of her friends, resulting in Esther's betrayal of her husband, John (Fahri Yardım), and an eventual, tragic separation. At a party, Esther encounters a grotesque sight: blood flowing from the faucet, and upon opening a door, she witnesses people feasting on another individual. Soon, Esther herself is bitten in the neck. The adage "Eat the Rich" is taken literally in this film - and it seems audiences can't get enough.
The Allure of "Delicious": "Envy, Schadenfreude, and Rebellion"
Film scholar Joachim Schätz from the University of Vienna explains the appeal, "Envy, schadenfreude, rebellion, and uprisings against increasing inequality resonate with viewers." In today's polarized society, where class divides are becoming more prominent, viewers can symbolically exact revenge on detestable figures. The desire to infiltrate a world that is often impenetrable to many is also strong, and watching such films serves as a kind of vicarious thrill.
"It's a form of surrogate action for not leading a glitzy life oneself," Schätz adds, referring to the allure of grand estates and luxurious lifestyles often portrayed in such films as "Delicious." He terms it "real estate pornography."
Films like "Delicious" also force viewers to confront fundamental questions, such as the boundaries between our lives and outsiders, and who truly comprises family. "Teodora's infiltration into the family is a timeless theme that intrigues people. Even as far back as Sigmund Freud's work, servants played a significant role in family life, and stories about the rich have captivated audiences since the twenties." So, perhaps the downfall of the wealthy is a tale as old as time, still told with wit and a more refined edge.
Despite the film's promising start, "Delicious" veers into the absurd with its gruesome plot twist. Though it may profess to be a thriller satire, it ultimately becomes a bizarre spectacle, leaving viewers feeling more confused than entertained.
"As long as they meet a grisly end or at least suffer a considerable blow, any tale - no matter how absurd - reigns supreme. 'Delicious' garnered 5.6 million viewers from the outset, topping global Netflix charts. 'Eat the Rich,' indeed, works - quite literally."
- Inequality and schadenfreude appear to drive the appeal of Netflix's "Delicious," with film scholar Joachim Schätz suggesting that viewers find satisfaction in symbolically exacting revenge on the wealthy.
- "Delicious" shows how society's craving for rebellion is reflected in its fascination with films that portray subversive actions against the rich, such as Teodora's infiltration of a wealthy family.
- The allure of "Delicious" may also be attributable to its portrayal of extravagant lifestyles, serving as "real estate pornography" that provides a vicarious thrill for those who do not lead glitzy lives.
