Triangle of Sadness (2022)

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS is an entertaining satirical black comedy about the unexpected danger lurking inside the seductive world of decadent extravagance and wealth. When a couple of celebrity models (played superbly by Charlbi Deanare and Harris Dickinson) are invited on a lavish cruise helmed by an unhinged captain (Woody Harrelson), they begin to realise that not everything is as glamorous as it seems — leading to a fight for survival when their vessel capsizes in the middle of the sea, and they end up stranded on an isolated island.

The narrative arc of the movie is uneven. It starts with a clever commentary on the fashion industry, then gradually becomes weaker and less clever as it approaches the end. The satire, at one point, becomes hyperbole as the deranged captain insists on having the captain’s dinner in the middle of severe weather leading to a much-talked-about harrowing scene where a lot of vomiting takes place with some dire consequences. There have been reports of audience members becoming ill from watching the scene. So maybe finish consuming your popcorn before the movie starts!

The cast is solid, with Harrelson doing an excellent job as the crazed captain. The other characters are thinly written and lack depth, but they are well-acted and serve their purpose in propelling the story forward.

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS is not as good as the director Ruben Östlund’s previous works, such as the brilliant Force Majeure and the incisive The Square, but it is still a relevant and thought-provoking movie. TRIANGLE OF SADNESS is directed with dark, dry humour and is a cautionary tale that reminds us of the hazards lurking in the world of glamour and privilege that comes with wealth. It’s an enjoyable ride and worth watching.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your movie guide for your local show times.)