Woman, alongside numerous intimidating male characters - the horrifying cinematic experience, "Men"
In the quiet, picturesque village of Gloucestershire, a woman named Harper, played by Jessie Buckley, embarks on a solitary retreat, seeking respite from her grief and trauma following the tragic demise of her husband, James. However, her peaceful countryside holiday quickly turns into a nightmare as she encounters a series of disturbing and menacing figures, each embodied by the versatile Rory Kinnear.
Directed by British filmmaker Alex Garland, "Men" (2022) is a haunting exploration of trauma, male violence, and the emotional aftermath of abuse. The film, which airs on the Second channel on July 7th at 10.15 pm and will be available on ZDF streaming portal from July 6th, delves into Harper's psychological unraveling as she is confronted by various male archetypes, each more menacing than the last.
Harper's encounters with the locals are far from comforting. A priest, for instance, worms his way into her trust but offers no solace, instead blaming her for James' death. A policeman lectures her about her naked stalker's release, adding to her distress. Even her landlord, Geoffrey, while not causing her harm, possesses a slimy and somewhat eerie demeanor.
The first man is not the only source of terror for Harper. A naked, scarred man chases her, standing naked in front of her holiday home's window. The police take him away in a patrol car, but Harper is left shaken. Terrible things happen in her cottage night before Riley, her friend, arrives.
"Men" employs body horror to visually emphasize themes of invasion, violation, and the cycle of violence against women. The pastoral setting is juxtaposed with Harper’s increasing sense of danger, symbolizing underlying threats in what appears safe or peaceful.
The film is much more explicit in its depiction of male hostility and the emotional aftermath of abuse than the referenced TikTok summary suggests. While Harper's character in the TikTok summary alludes broadly to the theme of recovery from trauma and a toxic relationship, "Men" is a chilling portrayal of a woman experiencing more terror instead of finding a fresh start.
Despite the terror she faces, Harper wants to cut her holiday short after the lecture. Londoner Harper, portrayed by Buckley, had hoped for a fresh start in the countryside, but instead finds herself trapped in a nightmare. Despite the horrors she faces, she clings to the promise of her friend Riley's visit, hoping for a glimmer of hope in the darkness.
In "Men", Garland masterfully weaves together a tale of trauma, grief, and horror, offering a poignant commentary on male aggression, misogyny, and the ways in which women are often blamed or dismissed for their suffering. The film is a must-watch for those seeking a gripping and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
- After a dreadful encounter with a priest who wrongfully blames her for her husband's death, Harper considers cutting her holiday short and returning to London, hoping to find solace in the city instead of the haunting countryside.
- The entertainment channels Second and ZDF's streaming portal will air "Men" (2022), a movie directed by Alex Garland, on July 7th at 10.15 pm and July 6th respectively, showcasing an enthralling mix of horror, trauma, and exploration of male violence.
