The association between the melodys repetition and the unnerving figure is key to how the film excoriates structural misogyny.
Based on the films title alone, it should be unsurprising thatMenthematizes misogyny.
Crucially, though, the films thematic success does not rest solely on this undeniably horrific visual.
Image by Collider Staff
Significantly, these flashbacks are not properly ordered linearly.
The narrative structure of temporal disruption and repetition thus reflects the traumatic consequences of misogyny.
There is, of course, the obvious element of repetition here in that Harper repeatedly encounters misogynistic characters.
Image via A24
This supports the films argument that women encounter misogyny on a routine basis.
She leaves the scene, but the man follows her to her vacation home.
The unacceptable male behavior of the outside creeps into what should be her sanctuary.
Image via A24
Later, when Harper goes to a church, she privately screams in emotional agony.
Suddenly, the vicar emerges and proceeds to ask her invasive questions.
Harper cannot find sanctuary even in a literal sanctuary.
Image via A24
Importantly, many of these shots are not establishing shots for later scenes.
Though they do visualize the forest outside Harpers country house, they are removed from plot-based events.
We are suddenly confronted with the rotting effects of what we perceive as natural.
The film thus uses repetition to denaturalize misogynistic behavior.
Throughout the film, the melodic echoes Harper creates in the dark tunnel are repeated in the films score.
This conveys how the repetition of sexist behaviors repeatedly inform future brands of misogyny.
Repetition is thus the key toMens unmistakable message.
