‘Triangle of Sadness’ (2022) Review

Ruben Östlund’s “Triangle of Sadness” is a Palme d’Or winning dark comedy which includes brilliant and biting satire that skewers the worlds of high fashion and extreme wealth with razor-sharp wit. The film combines dark humour and incisive social commentary to great effect which had me howling at some points. 

The Story

“Triangle of Sadness” follows a young couple, Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean). They are both models who navigate the superficial world of fashion and social media influencers quite differently. Their relationship, already strained by power dynamics and financial disparity, is further tested when they embark on a luxury yacht cruise. The cruise, filled with wealthy and eccentric guests, takes a turn for the absurd when both the ship’s Marxist captain (Woody Harrelson) and a series of catastrophic events upend the social hierarchy, leaving the passengers in a desperate and comical fight for survival.

The Cast

Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean deliver nuanced performances as the protagonists, capturing their character’s vacuous, yet ultimately vulnerable, natures’. Woody Harrelson’s brings both humour and a touch of pathos to the role of the anarchic captain. 

The ensemble cast, including Dolly de Leon as a cleaning lady who becomes an unexpected leader, provides strong support and includes some amazing and funny caricatures.

The Theme

The film delves into themes of beauty, power, and class disparity, using the microcosm of the fashion industry and a luxury cruise to explore broader societal issues. The film’s tone oscillates between darkly comedic and deeply unsettling, keeping viewers engaged and often off-balance. This is reflected physically with through the yacht and the character’s experiences aboard. The director’s satirical lens exposes the absurdities of a world obsessed with appearance and status, making for an intriguing critique of modern consumer culture.

Östlund’s direction is meticulous, blending precise visual storytelling with a keen sense of timing for both comedic and dramatic moments. You can easily see why the film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes film festival. The cinematography by Fredrik Wenzel is striking, with lavish yacht scenes contrasting sharply with the later stark, survivalist sequences on the deserted island. 

Conclusion

I would absolutely recommend “Triangle of Sadness” and would definitely watch it again – it still makes me laugh thinking of it. There is a bold and provocative narrative which that cements Ruben Östlund’s reputation as a master of social satire. Its incisive humour, compelling performances, and striking visuals combine to create a memorable and impactful critique of contemporary society, beauty, and wealth.