Rowan Neptune (Neptune)

Anyone who's seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer catch that the font used in the credits for The Pink Opaque were the same? Loved that lil reference. Great movie. This movie hit me hard. Especially the last 1/4. Resonated with me so deeply I had to cry through the credits, ruminating on my own life, the choices I've made and the repression/conformity I've put myself through in hopes of an easier, safer existence. I think anyone who grew up as an outcast/weird kid, especially in a suburb will relate to the film and characters struggles. Finding even just one person and/or piece of media that speaks to you or makes you feel seen is very important in your journey to finding yourself. But one person can't do all the work. Also the trans allegory adds an even deeper layer to dive into about gender expression and societal expectations. I'm cis(at least i think lol) so not really my place to explore, but it is there and it makes this film all the more beautiful for people who have experienced living like Owen. **SPOILERS** Maddie and Owen were those people for each other, with Pink Opaque being the piece of media that connected them. Now I love magical realism so I can't help but take the concept of that being their true reality literally, which makes the ending all the more heartbreaking. Even if you take it symbolically, Maddie/Tara did her best to reach out to Owen/Isabel, convince him of their truth and inspire him to fight, but he was too stifled by the suburban culture around him, too afraid to fully accept who he truly was and the unknown horrors that he might face living that truth that he chose to remain and it slowly sucked the life out of him, like being buried alive. I wanted so badly for him to take that leap of faith with his friend and return to defeat Mr. Melancholy but sadly sometimes we take safety over a slim chance at happiness. Being yourself can be hard, but this film shows both the dangers of repression and of isolation. Connections and support are important, but one person can't be enough when you aren't even fighting for yourself. Maybe in another life they get the ending they truly deserve and defeat Melancholy, living their best life as bff psychic gal pals. Don't let media be your lifeline. Reach out to the people you may connect with, and reach out to yourself as well.