By the end of “Assassination Nation,” I couldn’t help but feel like I just watched something very insightful in it’s social commentary of modern society. I went in thinking that this was just going to be some sardonic look at the youth of today and the trappings of the internet. Well that’s all true too, but clearly this movie has a lot more things to say, and more people to do commentary on. I do appreciate it’s ambitious themes and messaging, and despite the first sentence of this paragraph, I have to also acknowledge that this movie really only touches on the surface level of very important topics, and wants us to do our own legwork of what we’re suppose to learn from the story.
Speaking of the story. This movie plays off almost like a fable set in a suburban neighborhood that is suppose to represent all of the United States Of America in some form or another. I say “fable” because that designation conveniently gives the film some excuse to several of the more unrealistic or illogical plot points. Things also happen in the movie because they have to move the story forward to it’s inevitable conclusion, or because there needs to be a scene that can act as a metaphor to real life. That’s all part of the narrative style of course, but once again I give you the “fable” excuse.
About that narrative, some people may find it to be a little incoherent, and in part it’s because of the aggressive editing style and visual overload, which can be distracting at times. There were several scenes that were a treat to see play out though, and it’s because of the editing and the visuals. Although some people might get lost trying to catch up to what’s happening on screen, I consider it’s editing and visuals to definitely be a good thing. I feel like the overall look makes this movie better than it should be; if we’re just ignoring and putting aside the story themes of course.
Without some solid characters, I’m afraid the story can only go so far in terms of impact. While Odessa Young and Hari Nef were given some stand out roles to play, character development in general is kinda lacking. You’re still going to want to root for our main female protagonists by the last acts of this movie though, but it’s really not because of who they are, but what happened to them. Well there’s a bit about who they are that’s important, but it’s more of a symbolic gesture or representation really.
It’s true that “Assassination Nation” may only be appreciated by a particular movie going audience looking for this kind of film, and it’s true that there are going to be people who will be offended by it. This is by far not a perfect or great film, and there are definitely things about it that I found obnoxious, annoying, and pretentious. With that said, I want to go back to the first sentence from the first paragraph. The thematic messaging and social commentary brought up by this film will stick with me for a while, and that may just mean that Writer-Director Sam Levinson was justified in making this movie.
loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
