Triangle: Technical Mastery Adrift in Narrative Fog
Reviewer Rating: 2.5/5
"Triangle," directed by Christopher Smith, is a film of undeniable craftsmanship that ultimately collapses under the weight of its own ambitions. While the movie demonstrates an impressive attention to detail in its technical execution, it fails to deliver the narrative payoff promised by its premise.
Despite the internet hype suggesting this is a "mind-bender" on par with genre titans like Primer or Coherence, Triangle occupies a different space: it is a stylistic triumph, but a structural disappointment.
The Anchor: Melissa George
One of the film's absolute standouts is the performance by Melissa George. She effectively carries the weight of the story on her shoulders, portraying Jess—a complex, troubled mother—with a visceral intensity.
George's commitment allows the audience to invest in the unfolding madness even when the logic falters. She navigates the shifting emotions of her character with skill, adding a necessary layer of human depth to a largely mechanical plot.
Atmosphere and Dread
In terms of technical execution, Triangle excels. The cinematography effectively captures the decaying, abandoned ship setting, utilizing claustrophobic corridors and dimly lit rooms to build unease. The ship itself becomes a character—creaking floors, flickering lights, and peeling wallpaper add to a pervasive sense of dread.
- Camera Work: Moves seamlessly through the ship's labyrinthine structure.
- Editing: Enhances suspense, particularly during disorienting sequences where Jess encounters other versions of herself.
- Visual Effects: Sparingly used to create moments of surrealism without becoming cartoonish.
The Narrative Loop
Where Triangle falters is in the development of its central mechanic. The premise—friends trapped on a ghost ship caught in a time loop—is intriguing. However, the unending loop quickly transitions from a source of tension to a source of frustration.
While ambiguity can be an effective storytelling tool, Triangle leans too heavily on it. The film introduces heavy themes—maternal guilt, the punishment of Sisyphus, and the cyclical nature of abuse—but leaves them underdeveloped.
The audience is left craving a clearer understanding of the "rules" governing this purgatory. The lack of a cohesive conclusion leaves viewers with a sense of disappointment, as if their emotional investment was ultimately unrewarded.
Verdict
Triangle is a well-made film that falls victim to its own ambition. It succeeds in establishing mystery but fails to capitalize on it. While it might have benefited from leaning harder into visceral horror to balance the narrative gaps, it remains a "mood piece" rather than a coherent puzzle.
Spoiler Alert: The Meaning of the Title
Why is the film called "Triangle"? Aside from the obvious setting of the Bermuda Triangle, the title refers to the trinity of characters existing simultaneously. At any given moment on the ship, there are three versions of Jess caught in the loop:
- The one arriving (innocent).
- The one realizing what is happening (aware).
- The one attempting to leave (violent).
