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From time to time, we all need to get away—to remove ourselves from the nonstop hustle of the daily grind and take some time to catch our breath. But after watching the disturbing thriller Men, you might find yourself reconsidering that relaxing getaway to a quaint house in the country.
Men follows Jessie Buckley’s Harper Marlowe on a getaway to an old house in the countryside following the death of her estranged husband. The classic home, the peaceful countryside, and the nearby village seem like the perfect place to relax and recover from the trauma she’s endured. But then, on a walk through the woods, her serenity is broken by the appearance of a mysterious man who seems to be following her. And as she explores the village and the surrounding area, it becomes clear that something very troubling is playing out around her.
Of course, in the beginning, everything seems perfect; this beautiful old country house is big and bright, surrounded by fields and forests and places to explore. It’s just what Harper needs to help her heal. At the same time, though, there’s something here that just feels…off. The house’s owner, Geoffrey (Rory Kinnear), is just a little too friendly and accommodating, and the sounds are heightened to levels that seem to be just a little too much. And that gives the film a slightly unsettling feel that just continues to build as Harper ventures outside the house.
At first, the disturbances are eerie and troubling—mysterious figures appearing from a distance, some strange encounters. But as those mysterious characters get closer, their actions more threatening, everything about this countryside home and the surrounding area begins to feel dark and sinister. The tension builds until everything feels like it’s closing in on Harper, and the horrors eventually reach levels that are truly terrifying.
Toward the end, though, the story goes completely off the rails. The last act gets more and more disturbing, seemingly building up to some big, explosive, unforgettable finale. But that something big just never comes. And when the film comes to an end, it feels frustratingly incomplete.
Men offers terror with a twist. There are so many themes and ideas and messages to explore here, while also just sitting back and enjoying the nightmarish tension of it all. This definitely isn’t a mainstream kind of horror flick—it’s utterly unsettling and bizarre on many levels—and its conclusion that feels like a missed opportunity. But there’s still something here that’s delightfully disturbing.
Men arrives in theaters on May 20, 2022.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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