Men Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Woman goes to countryside, everyone is the same dude, then… men give birth to other men? Like, a lot.

🍿 Men: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Tragedy and Escape

Harper, grieving the death of her husband James, seeks solace in the English countryside. Flashbacks reveal a troubled marriage marred by emotional abuse. She is determined to find peace and escape the painful memories of James’s suicide, which followed a heated argument and her decision to divorce him.

Arrival in Cotson

Upon arriving in the seemingly idyllic village of Cotson, Harper is greeted by Geoffrey, the eccentric homeowner. The initial tranquility soon gives way to unease as she encounters a series of strange and unsettling events during a walk in the woods. A naked man begins to stalk her. Each encounter escalates the tension, transforming her retreat into a nightmarish experience. The idyllic facade of the countryside crumbles, replaced by a sense of dread and isolation.

The Recurring Figure

Harper encounters a cast of male characters, each played by the same actor, Rory Kinnear, adding to the surreal and disturbing atmosphere. From the naked stalker to the judgmental vicar, each man embodies different facets of male behavior and societal expectations, contributing to Harper’s growing sense of unease and paranoia. The repetition of the same face in different roles creates a feeling of inescapable dread. It suggests a deeper commentary on the nature of men and their impact on women.

Escalating Horror

As Harper attempts to cope with the increasingly bizarre events, she reaches out to her friend Riley, but even communication offers little comfort. The encounters grow more violent and surreal, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. Harper finds herself trapped in a cycle of fear and paranoia as the men of Cotson close in on her. Her journey is one of grief, guilt, and ultimately, a confrontation with the past.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harper (Jessie Buckley): A traumatized woman seeking solace in the countryside after her ex-husband’s death, only to be confronted by disturbing and inexplicable events.
• Geoffrey (Rory Kinnear): The eccentric and unsettling landlord of the manor where Harper stays, embodying a strange and pervasive presence.
• James (Paapa Essiedu): Harper’s deceased ex-husband, whose controlling and abusive behavior continues to haunt her even after his death.
• Rory Kinnear (All Men) (Rory Kinnear): Represents the various manifestations of men, from seemingly harmless to overtly threatening, who embody different facets of toxic masculinity.
• Riley (Gayle Rankin): Harper’s supportive friend who tries to offer comfort and assistance amidst the increasingly bizarre circumstances.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• James: “So I died. My arm was ripped through by an iron railing. My ankle snapped, my internal organs crushed. This is what you did.” – Spoken by James (played by Paapa Essiedu), embodying Harper’s guilt and his projection of blame onto her.
• Harper: “James… what is it that you want from me?” – Harper confronts James with her frustration and confusion regarding his actions.
• James: “Your love.” – James said this to Harper when she was at the country house to show what he wanted.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9 million
• Domestic Gross: $7.59 million
• Worldwide Gross: $11.15 million

💥 Men Reviews

Personal Review

I’m still trying to figure out what I just watched, but I can’t stop thinking about it. The movie is really creepy and weird, but Jessie Buckley’s performance is incredible. The bit in the tunnel where she sings and explores the echo was amazing. The whole thing with Rory Kinnear playing every man in the village was unsettling, to say the least, and that ending… wow. I loved how the movie messes with your head and leaves so much open to interpretation.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of arthouse horror”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate films with complex symbolism”
  • “Admirers of Alex Garland’s previous work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual assault”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Body horror”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilmCritic.com: “Garland creates a suffocating atmosphere of dread and paranoia. Buckley is phenomenal, and Kinnear’s unsettling performance as every man is unforgettable. While the symbolism is heavy-handed, the movie is an effective exploration of grief and trauma.
• The Daily Scare: “Men is a visually striking and deeply disturbing film. The body horror elements are intense, and the ambiguous ending will leave you pondering long after the credits roll. It may not be for everyone, but it’s a bold and thought-provoking work.

Audience Reactions

Rory Kinnear’s performance as all the male characters was unsettling and brilliant.: Viewers praised Jessie Buckley and Rory Kinnear’s acting, along with the movie’s atmosphere.

The stunning cinematography captured the beauty and sinister undertones of the English countryside.: The visuals and the sound create a creepy mood.

Overall Consensus: Men is a divisive film with stunning visuals, strong performances, and a unique premise. Some find the symbolism confusing and the ending off-putting. But some viewers hail it as an artistic and disturbing exploration of grief and the patriarchy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “All of the male characters in the film, including the young boy, are portrayed by Rory Kinnear, emphasizing the theme of the pervasive nature of men and their impact on the protagonist’s life.”
• “The film explores themes of trauma, grief, guilt, and toxic masculinity through surreal and symbolic imagery.”
• “The film draws heavily on pagan imagery, particularly the Green Man and Sheela na Gig, to explore themes of rebirth and the female body.”

🖥️ How to Watch Men?

Men (2022) is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region. Some cable providers may also offer it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Men, you might like these similar films:

• Mother! (2017): Features similar themes of psychological horror and surreal imagery, using a contained setting to explore a woman’s mental state and relationship with larger symbolic forces.
• The Witch (2015): Both explore folk horror themes with a focus on the psychological breakdown of a family (or individual) in an isolated, rural setting.
• Annihilation (2018): Directed by Alex Garland, shares similar visual style and ambiguous narrative, exploring psychological and existential themes through a science fiction/horror lens.
• Midsommar (2019): Deals with grief and trauma through a folk horror lens, set within a bizarre and unsettling rural community.

🛒 Men Related Products

• Men [Blu-ray]: Own the physical copy of this unique movie, complete with special features. The blu-ray comes with exclusive behind-the-scenes content, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes for a complete viewing experience.
• Sheela Na Gig Statue: Hand-carved replica of the Sheela Na Gig statue. Its symbolism makes it the perfect gift.
• The Green Man: An Iconography: Uncover the rich history and symbolism behind the Green Man in folklore and art with this insightful book. It is a compendium of myths and legends that explores the relationship of mankind and the world.

🎧 Soundtrack

Men features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Love Song” – performed by Lesley Duncan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Of Mice and Men | Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis | John Steinbeck

Ever wondered what ‘Men’ is really about? This deep dive into Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ might just unlock some hidden meanings in the film, especially if you’re into exploring complex themes like loneliness and the struggles of man. I found the connection between the book and the movie pretty interesting!

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