Triangle of Sadness
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Based on 1 review
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Triangle of Sadness
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Triangle of Sadness is an impressive satirical drama that takes aim at the super rich and has strong language, sex, drinking, and smoking. It centers on a group of wealthy people -- including celebrity model couple Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean) -- on a trip aboard a luxury yacht that goes awry. It is a social commentary that deals with mature themes such as the ethics of arms dealing and mentions socialism, capitalism, and Marxism. There is strong language including "f--k" and "s--t" and characters smoke and are seen visibly drunk on a number of occasions. Brands are mentioned and shown on-screen including Rolex, Evian, and Louis Vuitton. There is a protracted scene involving projectile vomiting and diarrhea, and the bludgeoning to death of an animal, as well as drowned bodies on-screen. Brief sexual activity is portrayed beneath the sheets and brief partial nudity is also shown. Mature themes and a lengthy runtime make this suitable for adults and older teens, particularly those who enjoy dark, knife-sharp humor.
What's the Story?
In TRIANGLE OF SADNESS, a group of wealthy people, including model power couple Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean), set sail aboard a luxury yacht. But a drunk captain (Woody Harrelson) and an unexpected chain of events change the course of the trip dramatically.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of Ruben Östlund's unique style of social criticism will find much to like here as he skewers the super rich over some pretty fiery flames. While his 2014 breakout Force Majeure took aim at gender politics, and his previous Cannes winner The Square offered a long hard look at the elitism and hypocrisy of the art world, we're in perhaps more familiar comedy territory this time, as Triangle of Sadness sends up its smug, unsuspecting characters before sending them truly crashing down.
The now infamous dinner scene, that resulted in numerous walkouts at Cannes -- the same festival at which the film took home the coveted Palme d'Or -- will make or break it for many, depending how strong their stomachs. But elsewhere there are more subtle touches and standout performances. These include Harrelson's inebriated captain, standing at a slant and spouting Marxist theory and Dolly De Leon as below-deck worker Abigail, who turns the tables in a satisfying way, and offers one of few people to borderline root for, even as she descends into her own power-hungry darkness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Triangle of Sadness had to say about wealth and power. How were power dynamics portrayed? What were they based on? How did they change during the course of the film?
The film touches on stereotypes to poke fun at different kinds of wealthy people. What stereotypes did you notice? Discuss the use of stereotypes in movies -- can you see positive and negative aspects of playing into them, particularly for the purpose of comedy?
Many of the characters were unlikable. How did it feel watching characters with few redeeming qualities? Did it affect your experience and how much you cared about the outcome?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain kind of language expected in a movie like this?
How was drinking and smoking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 7, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: November 22, 2022
- Cast: Charlbi Dean, Harris Dickinson, Woody Harrelson
- Director: Ruben Östlund
- Studio: Neon
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 147 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language and some sexual content
- Last updated: December 20, 2022
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