Fails to justify its existence but also sends a disturbing and problematic message that leaves viewers feeling frustrated, disgusted, and morally unsettled.
The film follows two young men, Paul and Peter, who take a family hostage and subject them to sadistic, psychological, and physical torture. What makes this film particularly troubling is that Haneke seems intent on manipulating the audience, positioning the criminals as clever masterminds who control everything, including the plot, with no repercussions. By breaking the fourth wall and allowing the killers to "rewrite" their own fate, Haneke portrays them in a way that almost glorifies their cruelty, as if the filmmakers themselves share the twisted, criminal mindset of the characters.
Rather than condemning their actions or offering any sense of justice, Funny Games presents the killers as untouchable forces, almost as though they are invincible. This sends a dangerous and troubling message: that in a world filled with violence, criminals can not only get away with horrific acts but also be presented as the controlling figures of their own destiny. The lack of consequences feels less like a commentary on society and more like a dark celebration of lawlessness.
The ending, where the killers sail away unfazed to find their next victims, only adds to the sense of hopelessness and irresponsibility. There’s no moral resolution, no justice, no lessons learned — it simply gives the impression that violence and evil prevail, and that's that. In a world already grappling with the glorification of violence in media, Funny Games seems to do more harm than good by showcasing it in such a manipulative and hero-like way.
Ultimately, the 2007 remake feels like a misguided attempt to provoke outrage, but instead, it leaves a bad taste, as if it endorses the very cruelty and nihilism it claims to critique. By presenting the villains as victorious and without any moral consequence, it sends a disturbing message that may be more harmful than thought-provoking.