Exploring the Surreal Horror of Alex Garland’s ‘Men’

Released in 2022, Men stands as a distinct entry in the filmography of writer and director Alex Garland. A surrealist folk horror production, the film explores themes of trauma, grief, and the weight of patriarchal structures through a lens that is as visually striking as it is unsettling.

The Narrative Foundation

The story follows Harper Marlowe, portrayed by Jessie Buckley, who seeks a solitary retreat in the English countryside following the tragic death of her husband, James. The film utilizes a non-linear narrative, employing flashbacks to reveal the complexity of their relationship. Harper’s decision to pursue a divorce was met with emotional manipulation and threats of self-harm from James, culminating in a harrowing sequence where he falls to his death from an apartment balcony.

Upon arriving at her rental property in the Herefordshire village of Cotson, Harper is introduced to the owner, Geoffrey. As the story progresses, Harper encounters various inhabitants of the town. A defining stylistic choice of the film is that all of these male characters—ranging from a policeman to a priest and local bar patrons—are portrayed by actor Rory Kinnear.

A Reflection on Allegory

Garland’s work in Men leans heavily into allegory. By casting a single actor to inhabit every male figure Harper encounters, the film creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that reflects her internal struggle with the trauma inflicted by her late husband. The village, which initially appears to be a place of healing, gradually transforms into a landscape of torment, forcing Harper to confront manifestations of the behaviors she sought to escape.

Production and Reception

The film was produced by DNA Films and features cinematography by Rob Hardy, with a musical score composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow. Following its production, Men was distributed by A24 in the United States, where it premiered on May 20, 2022. In the United Kingdom, the film was released on June 1, 2022, by Entertainment Film Distributors.

With a runtime of 100 minutes, the film garnered attention for its bold narrative approach. While it received generally positive reviews, critics and audiences alike noted that its surreal, open-ended storytelling style sparked significant discussion regarding its symbolic meaning and execution.

Key Takeaways

• Director: Written and directed by Alex Garland.
• Lead Performances: Stars Jessie Buckley as Harper Marlowe and Rory Kinnear in multiple roles.
• Genre: A surrealist folk horror film exploring themes of emotional abuse and trauma.
• Release: Debuted in the United States on May 20, 2022, and in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central conflict in ‘Men’?

The film centers on Harper Marlowe’s attempt to process the trauma of her husband’s death. Her journey into the countryside leads to disturbing interactions with the local men, all of whom are played by Rory Kinnear, serving as a manifestation of the patriarchal trauma she is trying to overcome.

Is ‘Men’ a traditional horror movie?

While it is categorized as folk horror, Men is primarily a surrealist drama. It prioritizes psychological tension and thematic allegory over traditional jump scares, focusing on the protagonist’s internal emotional state.

As a piece of modern cinema, Men continues to serve as a polarizing example of how genre films can be used to dissect complex societal issues. Whether viewed as a straightforward horror story or a deep-seated psychological study, it remains a notable example of Alex Garland’s commitment to unconventional storytelling.