His 2018 film, "Hold the Dark," an adaptation of William Giraldi's novel with a screenplay by Macon Blair, continues this exploration into the darker aspects of human nature within a stark and unforgiving setting.
The narrative commences with the arrival of wolf expert Russell Core (Jeffrey Wright, The Last of Us, James Bond) in the isolated Alaskan village of Keelut, summoned by Medora Slone following the disappearance of her young son, ostensibly taken by wolves. However, this initial premise quickly unravels, revealing a far more sinister reality involving the Slone family and the hidden darkness within the community.
The remote Alaskan wilderness of Keelut serves as a crucial element in shaping the narrative and mirroring the inner turmoil of its inhabitants. The "bleak, snow-covered landscape" and the "harsh climates of Western Alaska" create an overwhelming sense of isolation and an atmosphere where nature is an unforgiving force.
One cannot help but feel transported to an "ice-covered otherworld" entirely separate from conventional society. The film emphasizes the limited sunlight, portraying the perpetual darkness as a tangible and "malevolent presence" that seems to seep into the very fabric of existence in Keelut. This lack of light is even suggested to contribute to a form of "insanity" among the residents. The extreme environmental conditions are not merely a backdrop against which the story unfolds; rather, they actively contribute to the moral decay and primal behaviors exhibited by the characters.
The sheer isolation of Keelut, where some residents view the distant police force as a threat and remain ignorant of the world beyond their immediate surroundings, fosters a unique and insular worldview. Living on the "edge of civilization", societal norms appear to erode, allowing "primal instincts" to take precedence. This detachment from the wider world cultivates a distinct set of survival mechanisms and beliefs within the community, which can lead to profound misunderstandings and violent clashes when external elements like Russell Core and the police intrude.
Ultimately, the Alaskan setting operates as a powerful metaphor for the internal landscape of the characters, suggesting that their inherent "darkness" is not only reflected but amplified by the bleak and desolate environment they inhabit.
"Hold the Dark" unflinchingly explores the primal instincts and the inherent capacity for violence that lie within human nature. The film posits that "savagery is as much the natural order as it is a supernatural curse", blurring the conventional distinctions between human and animalistic behavior. Medora and Vernon Slone, in particular, are portrayed as possessing streaks of "ungovernable wildness", their actions often resembling those of wolves more than conventional human beings.
"Hold the Dark" unflinchingly explores the primal instincts and the inherent capacity for violence that lie within human nature. The film posits that "savagery is as much the natural order as it is a supernatural curse", blurring the conventional distinctions between human and animalistic behavior. Medora and Vernon Slone, in particular, are portrayed as possessing streaks of "ungovernable wildness", their actions often resembling those of wolves more than conventional human beings.
The symbolism of wolves is intricately woven throughout the narrative, serving as a constant reminder of this primal connection. The wolf mask, for instance, is a potent symbol, representing the "unleashed wildness" and seemingly allowing characters to tap into a "lupine spirit". Medora's initial appearance to Russell Core while wearing the mask suggests a confession of her own "wolf-like" nature, while Vernon dons the mask during his violent rampage, indicating an embrace of his primal instincts.
Even the name of the town, Keelut, carries symbolic weight, referencing an Inuit underworld spirit that takes the form of a black hairless dog preying on humans. The film also draws a stark contrast between human and animalistic savagery. Russell Core observes wolves engaging in "savaging," the act of eating their own young, a natural behavior within their harsh environment.
This natural brutality is juxtaposed with the seemingly more inexplicable and disturbing violence of the human characters, such as Medora's infanticide and Vernon's vengeful killings, prompting a consideration of whether human cruelty, in its complexity, surpasses the primal instincts of the animal world.
The film delves into the intricate and often unsettling dynamics of family relationships, particularly the deeply intertwined history of Medora and Vernon. Medora's statement to Russell that she cannot recall a time before Vernon, coupled with the presence of childhood photographs and veiled comments from other characters, subtly establishes an unusually profound and potentially unhealthy bond between them from their earliest years.
The film delves into the intricate and often unsettling dynamics of family relationships, particularly the deeply intertwined history of Medora and Vernon. Medora's statement to Russell that she cannot recall a time before Vernon, coupled with the presence of childhood photographs and veiled comments from other characters, subtly establishes an unusually profound and potentially unhealthy bond between them from their earliest years.
These early hints lay the foundation for the strong implication, if not outright revelation, of an incestuous relationship between Medora and Vernon, suggesting that their shared history and unique connection are fundamental to understanding their subsequent actions. The film subtly suggests that Medora and Vernon are siblings, possibly even twins.
While the film itself remains somewhat ambiguous on this point, in William Giraldi's novel, Medora is explicitly pregnant, further emphasizing the incestuous nature of their relationship. This taboo relationship of incest is presented as a potential root of their "otherness," contributing to their isolation from the broader community and potentially leading to their disturbed psychological states, which in turn may fuel their violent tendencies.
The villagers' apparent avoidance of Medora could be interpreted as stemming from their knowledge of this incestuous union, further isolating the Slone family within their already remote existence.
The narrative of "Hold the Dark" is enriched by the incorporation of Inuit mythology, most notably through the significance of the town's name, "Keelut".
The narrative of "Hold the Dark" is enriched by the incorporation of Inuit mythology, most notably through the significance of the town's name, "Keelut".
In Inuit folklore, a Keelut is a malevolent spirit of the underworld, taking the form of a black hairless dog that preys on humans. This mythological reference imbues the film with a palpable sense of ancient evil, foreshadowing the dark and disturbing events that unfold within the village. It suggests a community steeped in superstition and perhaps even connected to malevolent forces that predate the arrival of Russell Core.
The wolf masks serve as another crucial symbolic element, visually representing the characters' descent into primal, animalistic behavior. When Medora approaches Russell wearing the wolf mask, it can be seen as a silent confession of her own "wolf-like" nature. Similarly, Vernon's donning of the mask during his violent rampage signifies an embrace of his most primal instincts. These masks act as a visual trigger, allowing the characters to shed their human identities and embody a more savage, instinct-driven state.
Through these symbolic elements, the film explores the idea that the "darkness" is not merely an external threat but something deeply embedded within individuals, waiting for the opportune moment to be unleashed.
One of the most disturbing and central themes of "Hold the Dark" is the complex and unsettling act of Medora's infanticide.
One of the most disturbing and central themes of "Hold the Dark" is the complex and unsettling act of Medora's infanticide.
Early in the film, it is revealed that Medora strangled her young son, Bailey. Various interpretations suggest potential motivations behind this horrific act. One prominent theory is that Medora sought to "save him from darkness", perhaps the darkness she perceived within him, within herself, or within the bleak and unforgiving environment that surrounded them.
This presents a deeply unsettling portrayal of motherhood, where maternal instincts are perverted by a desperate, albeit misguided, attempt to protect her child from a life she deems inherently tainted or doomed.
Other interpretations propose that Bailey himself might have been responsible for the earlier deaths of other children in the village, and Medora's act was a brutal form of protecting the community, mirroring the "savaging" behavior observed in wolves. Additionally, the immense guilt associated with the incestuous relationship with Vernon and the overwhelming difficulty of raising a child in their harsh and isolated circumstances are also considered as potential driving forces behind her unthinkable act.
The film deliberately refrains from offering a definitive explanation for Medora's infanticide, leaving her motivations shrouded in ambiguity. This forces the audience to confront the unsettling complexities of her character and the potential for extreme actions when driven by profound despair or a distorted sense of love and protection.
A significant aspect of "Hold the Dark" is its pervasive ambiguity, particularly concerning the motivations of its characters and the fundamental nature of the evil depicted. Many critical analyses highlight the film's "vague ending", the presence of "narrative gaps", and the numerous "frustratingly open questions" that linger after the credits roll.
A significant aspect of "Hold the Dark" is its pervasive ambiguity, particularly concerning the motivations of its characters and the fundamental nature of the evil depicted. Many critical analyses highlight the film's "vague ending", the presence of "narrative gaps", and the numerous "frustratingly open questions" that linger after the credits roll.
Within the narrative, characters themselves discuss the possibility of Medora being possessed by a malevolent "wolf-demon", further contributing to the sense of mystery surrounding her actions. This deliberate withholding of clear explanations mirrors the characters' own struggle to comprehend the unfolding events and the underlying forces that drive them.
This ambiguity serves to enhance the film's unsettling atmosphere, inviting a multitude of interpretations and suggesting that the very essence of evil may be elusive and resistant to simple definition. Consequently, the film's refusal to provide easy answers contributes to its thought-provoking quality.
While some viewers may find the lack of definitive resolutions frustrating, others appreciate the challenge of engaging with the narrative on a deeper level, prompting them to consider the complexities of human behavior and the potential origins of evil in a world that often defies rational understanding.
The film's enigmatic nature encourages active participation from the audience, urging them to piece together their own interpretations and confront the unsettling possibility that some acts of profound darkness may lie beyond the grasp of conventional logic.
Jeremy Saulnier's directorial style plays a crucial role in amplifying the thematic impact of "Hold the Dark". Known for his "understated approach" and "carefully composed images", Saulnier crafts a distinct "mood piece" that immerses the viewer in the bleakness of its Alaskan setting.
Jeremy Saulnier's directorial style plays a crucial role in amplifying the thematic impact of "Hold the Dark". Known for his "understated approach" and "carefully composed images", Saulnier crafts a distinct "mood piece" that immerses the viewer in the bleakness of its Alaskan setting.
His ability to evoke "beauty, mystery, and frightening power" through his visuals contributes significantly to the film's overall tone and its exploration of darkness and isolation. Saulnier's deliberate pacing and the striking cinematography of the Alaskan landscape further enhance the unsettling atmosphere, underscoring the themes of isolation, the harshness of nature, and the pervasive sense of dread that permeates the narrative.
Furthermore, Saulnier's use of realistic and brutal violence serves as a powerful means of examining the darker aspects of human nature.
The film features moments of "sudden and brutal" violence, including an extended and "shockingly grisly" shootout sequence. Saulnier's approach to depicting violence is often described as "realistic" and "uncompromising", aiming for a portrayal that feels "awkward and without varnish". This graphic and often disturbing violence is not presented gratuitously but rather serves to highlight the inherent brutality in the characters' actions and the harsh realities of their world.
By depicting violence in a raw and unflinching manner, Saulnier avoids any sense of glorification and forces the audience to confront the visceral consequences of the characters' choices, thereby reinforcing the film's central exploration of human savagery.
In conclusion, "Hold the Dark" is a complex and unsettling film that delves into the darker aspects of human nature against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving Alaskan wilderness.
In conclusion, "Hold the Dark" is a complex and unsettling film that delves into the darker aspects of human nature against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving Alaskan wilderness.
Through its exploration of primal instincts, dysfunctional family dynamics, the incorporation of myth and symbolism, the disturbing act of infanticide, and its deliberate ambiguity, the film examines the elusive nature of evil and the capacity for profound darkness within humanity.
Jeremy Saulnier's distinctive directorial style, characterized by stark visuals and unflinching violence, enhances the film's thematic impact, creating a challenging and thought-provoking experience for the viewer. While the film's ambiguity may leave some with unanswered questions, it ultimately serves to provoke deeper reflection on the complexities of human behavior and the enduring presence of darkness in both the individual and the world.
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