Men movie review: Man, I feel like a woman
By Ricky Valero
Academy Award nominated actor Jessie Buckley returns to the big screen in Alex Garland’s Men this weekend. Should you check it out in theaters? Or wait till it drops on digital? I share my thoughts on the film below.
Men follows Harper (Buckley), who is going on a vacation in the English countryside following the death of her ex-husband. The film was written and directed by Garland who was the writer/director of Ex Machina and Annihilation.
Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I walked into this movie completely blind. I vaguely knew what the film was about but didn’t watch any trailers or read the synopsis. When I walked out of the theater, there was much to be explored regarding the movie’s script.
"I have a life too"
These are the words that Harper screams out at her husband, James (Paapa Essiedu). You can’t help but feel the pain in her voice as she attempts to get a word in with him as they fight over her wanting a divorce. Every moment that follows is a gut-wrenching portrayal of experiencing the downfall of a relationship.
We all have or know someone that has spent time in a toxic relationship. Garland’s script explores what it’s like trying to get out of a toxic relationship and the events that follow. Whether it’s overcoming the blame game that we run through inside our heads, being okay with going places alone or wanting to prove to yourself (and everyone around you) that you can make it in this world alone.
Jessie Buckley is phenomenal in Men movie
Buckley, fresh off her incredible performance in The Lost Daughter, proves that she is a force to be reckoned with in this space. I was FLOORED by her because no matter how good Garland’s writing or direction is, Buckley has to bring this traumatic role to life.
I can’t imagine the headspace she had to go into to prepare for the part of Harper. The grief, pain, and trauma. Buckley destroys you with her facial expressions and words.
Men won’t be for everyone because Garland unconventionally explores things, but if you like his previous work or a film that is not typical of what you see weekly at the theaters, Men is the film for you. I will point out that the movie is the type of film you have to pay attention to the details of because each piece of Garland’s puzzle comes together at the end. The last fifteen minutes might have you thinking WTF, but don’t take your eyes off the screen because you might miss something.
Men hits theaters on May 20, 2022.