Ava Lansley

A very good exploration of feminist concerns present in mid-20th century US society especially the way patriarchal views shaped the male-dominated, medical field's approach to women (labotomies, "hysteria", coercive drug use to subdue depression, gaslighting) etc. There are great intertextual references to Sylvia Plath's poetry and Isben's "A Doll's House". Also, the artistic cinematography is very compelling in how it represents the film's concerns using Mullholland Drive/Lynchian fever dream style. However, the script at times can be too plain, explicit, and forced. The plot is sped up and explained abruptly in the last half hour of the show. There are (as many have said) plot holes. It's like Stepford Wives meets The Truman Show but with psychological horror overtones and no comedy. Definitely a great piece to showcase 1950s sci-fi dystopia aesthetic and cinematic techniques that construct the aforementioned Lynchian scenes.

If you're into films like Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, or even The Killing of a Sacred Deer, you will love this film. It is very layered, with its concepts and scenes requiring deeper contemplation about how they connect to a larger theme and message. Deeply contemplative about aging, the passage of time, heteronormativity, death, and identity. It's very dialogue-focused. But it also has beautiful scene transitions and editing. The shots/editing reminded me a lot of Hereditary in some parts. It also retains similar eeriness via Toni Collette's stellar performance. Again, this is a film that is supposed to be considered for its messages. It is not for an easy watch, or for pure entertainment or spectacle. So again, if you're into Kaufman, Jonze, etc, you will definitely appreciate this film. Don't be discouraged by the mixed ratings!