“Triangle of Sadness” is a satirical dark comedy film directed by Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund, released in 2022. The film features a talented cast including Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean (who very sadly passed away before the film was publically released), Woody Harrelson, Dolly De Leon, Zlatko Burić, Vicki Berlin, and Henrik Dorsin.
The film is divided into three distinct acts, each exploring themes of power, privilege, and societal roles.
Act One: The Modeling Industry
The story begins with Carl (Harris Dickinson), a male model, and his girlfriend Yaya (Charlbi Dean), a successful influencer and model. They navigate the superficial and often exploitative world of fashion, highlighting the absurdities and power dynamics within the industry. Their relationship is marked by tension, largely due to financial and gender role conflicts.
Act 2: The Luxury Yacht
Carl and Yaya are invited on a luxury yacht cruise, which is where the narrative’s satire becomes more pronounced. The passengers are an eclectic mix of wealthy individuals, including a Russian oligarch named Dimitry (Zlatko Burić), an elderly British arms dealer couple, and other absurdly affluent characters. The crew, led by the head of staff Paula (Vicki Berlin), is under strict orders to cater to every whim of the passengers.
The yacht’s captain, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, is an eccentric and disillusioned Marxist who spends most of his time drunk and disengaged. A pivotal scene involves a disastrous dinner during a storm, leading to chaos as passengers fall ill and the ship eventually gets hijacked by pirates, resulting in it sinking.
And finally, Act 3: The Deserted Island
A group of survivors, including Carl, Yaya, Dimitry, Paula, and Abigail (Dolly De Leon), a member of the yacht’s cleaning staff, find themselves stranded on a deserted island. The power dynamics shift dramatically as Abigail, possessing essential survival skills, becomes the de facto leader. The previously wealthy and powerful passengers are now at the mercy of her expertise.
The film explores the reversal of roles, as those who were once privileged now must depend on the very people they previously looked down upon. The struggle for dominance and survival leads to various darkly comedic and poignant moments. The narrative also delves into the development of a complex relationship between Carl and Abigail.
“Triangle of Sadness” is noted for its sharp wit, biting social commentary, and the performances of its cast, particularly Dolly De Leon’s portrayal of Abigail, which garnered critical acclaim.
The Other Cinema 