Y’all, this movie is, full stop, a masterpiece. I re-watched it in anticipation of this post…and then re-watched it again. There is simply nothing else like it. What was marketed as a movie about the end of the world is, at its core, a story about depression.
In case the title didn’t give it away.
This movie is 2+ hours, and I recommend that you savor every moment of it lest you be spoiled about the plot. Though, if you do watch, please do so with care; it packs an emotional punch, particularly if you or someone you love has struggled with a mood disorder. If you find it too intense, at least watch the first 9 minutes. It has zero dialogue or plot but does feature of the most beautiful and haunting imagery out there. Relax and enjoy all the feels.
This is a story in two parts. The first follows Justine (Kirsten Dunst) on her wedding day. I’m not sure how much this wedding cost, but it looks to be the pinnacle of white class privilege. Justine is simply stunning. She says all of the right things to her fiancé and guests with a beaming smile – and yet, a savvy viewer will realize that not all is well in Justine’s world. The social smile belies a sadness in her eyes, a vacant look, drooping lids.
She’s distracted and unsettled. And, we get the sense that at any point, she might try to blow up her life. I literally could not take my eyes off of it.
Just as fascinating are the ways that Justine’s family interact with her. We quickly get the sense that all is not right in the family dynamic. That they see signs that they recognize in Justine’s behavior. That they just want everything to be okay. That they feel powerless to help. We see them respond in ways that reflect the stages of grief;
Denial: “Yeah, you’re good.”
Anger : “Give me a break, please, with all your f***ing rituals.”
Bargaining: “…[do] we have a deal…that you be happy?”
Depression: “This could have been a lot different.”
And, we hope that they can find acceptance in their hearts for a woman who seems so broken, and is so, so lovable.
I remember a student who told me: “trying to explain depression to someone who hasn’t experienced it would be like trying to describe the color blue to someone who is blind.” Rather than even attempting it, what this movie does is make you feel it.
There is a lot here for psych kids to dig into.
