Satirizing the wealthy through art is hardly latest, but previously few years, the so-called genre has risen in interest and recognition, whether in the shape of murder mystery à la Knives Out or dramedy like The White Lotus. Perhaps we’re drawn to them due to the schadenfreude (okay, Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya and Benoit Blanc’s accent are selling points too); even when we will’t hold the Elon Musks of the world accountable in real life, watching them get tortured on vacation or turn against one another for an inheritance can feel just like the slightest taste of revenge. In these stories, those that’ve exploited other people or cut corners to realize their wealth actually get what they deserve. In Triangle of Sadness, Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund takes that to an extreme degree.
“I desired to create a roller-coaster ride for adults,” he said during a Deadline panel in February.
His Palme d’Or winner at Cannes, and now Best Picture contender on the Oscars, doesn’t just make its wealthy and exquisite characters uncomfortable—it forces them into essentially the most disgusting, vile situations with no escape. (It’s set on a cruise ship and on a deserted island, in any case). The film follows model-influencer couple Yaya (Charlbi Dean Kriek) and Carl (Harris Dickson) who get a free trip on an opulent yacht cruise, which soon goes to shit, literally. (If you’ve gotten a weak gag reflex, possibly don’t watch this one after a full meal.)
The outrageous dramedy is up for multiple Oscars this yr, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Östlund. Nevertheless, breakout star Dolly De Leon was criminally snubbed for her supporting role. When you get to the third act, you’ll see what the Academy is missing.
Triangle of Sadness is streaming on Hulu, and it is offered to rent and buy on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV+. Try the choices below.
Watch on Hulu
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Watch on Apple TV+
Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There’s a 75 percent likelihood she’s listening to Lorde immediately.
