I was not prepared for how triggering this movie was going to be. Her disassociating during the sex scene was way to relatable.

This movie was a wild ride. I really enjoyed the twist of how she misunderstood him. He was definitely creepy but she broke into his garage and tried to pepper spray him. I struggled to understand the parts in the movie where they were in the counselors office together. I figured it was her imagination.

When the 2 cats finally ran out, omg🐈🐈

Not a lot of reviews on this one. Appreciate yours. There's so much hate for the third act of this movie but I found it pretty fun, and pretty real (as scary as that is). The sex scene made me cringe so hard I had me questioning my own dates. Yikes.

Loved this review i’m glad someone else appreciated this movie as much as i did😭 but you didn’t mention how he stalked her before they even met, although it doesn’t really affect most of the movie I feel like that played a huge part in the deception on his end and just really showed how much control he had the whole time

I loved this movie. It was very relatable as a formerly anxiously attached person. 14:28 the daily terror of being a woman was captured wonderfully

This reminds me of a French film, "He Loves Me . . . He Loves Me Not", starring Audrey Tautou! In the first half we see her POV, as the star in her romantic but tragic story. The 2nd half, from the man's POV, is like a horror story! One thing that's so good is that this was in her romantic ingenue phase, so you sympathize with her until you see what she did!

You could buy a tactical pen - I've got one from the gun brand uzi. They're made of gun metal, can break glass and have a dna catcher on them.

Projection - precisely why it's incredibly hard to have a relationship with anyone now a days, romantic or otherwise. The sad and super frustrating thing about it is that the ones engaging in this way have no idea what the alternative looks and or feels like to know any better. Interesting concept for a film that seems to be very close to imitating reality in a somewhat profound way. Thanks Alachia, appreciate the feedback as always #Queen

Nice to see someone actually taking about it!! It really is a shame that this movie ended up being kind of swept under the rug.

The cop was the smartest one

I honestly appreciated your assessment of the very real concerns that women have about their personal safety. I think that most men probably never give such things a thought.

18:00 the sad part is thanks to social media and phones there's already 2 generations of people that have zero clue how to communicate with each other face to face. Gonna be tons of failed relationships. No wonder it coincides with the declining marriage and birth rates.

Thank you for doing such a thoughtful and lengthy video about this movie. I just finished it and was really hoping I could come online and satiate my desire for discourse too!

I appreciated your review and the movie made more sense to me after I watched your review but I still find it hard to believe that the movie is telling me its ok for him to choke her and hurt her when she was trying to leave the house because she projected her fantasies on him and broke into this house? That him hurting her while she was trying to leave his house is justified because his life was going to be over and he tried to save her at the basement fire? She undoubtedly played a role in this relationship falling apart but to explain away or gloss over physical violence is crazy to me. I also find it weird that you gloss over the age gap when she is younger than 21 and he is closer to 30 as he is "emotionally stunted" so she has equal control in this relationship?

I enjoy the depth of your reviews. Thank you. Subbed since your napoleon movie review

I am loving all of these uploads!!

I remember reading the original cat person short years ago after hearing about it on Tumblr & watched the movie the other day. I was actually very much caught off guard as to the direction it to after where the short ended. I have very mixed feelings on where the movie went but I appreciate your insight & I can’t wait for your next video. I’ll sub so I don’t miss it. Good luck with your channel

It’s really a movie you need to see.raising so many questions, feelings-and misunderstandings it’s a very interesting movie- I lack the words to explain-…. Thank you Alachia for talking about this movie. Best vibes to you ❤

Based on how you describe the main character's actions, last year I did exactly what she did (projected an idealized image of a prospective partner onto her instead seeing amd loving her for who she really was). After the woman I was talking rightfully stopped texting and seeing me after saying some deplorable stuff to her, I went through a two month depression where I had no will to get go to work or eat (lost 15lbs. in three weeks). But, my best friend swooped in and suggested I start watch Heide Preibe videos on unhealthy forms of attachment and creating fantasies about people in your head instead of seeing them for who they actually are. After a few months of constant discussion with my friend, I went through a mental, emotional, and spiritual paradigm shift and my personality completely changed. While I haben't pursued a relationship since that incident late last year, I am forever grateful for the experience because I now know what it feels like to mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically volitile and stable (open to new perspectives as well). And in case your wondering how as I guy I became as emotionally unstable and started behaving a completely unhindged, batshit crazy GF, I think it was because of these main reasons: 1. I had no true idea what a healthy day-to-day relationship between a man and women looked like given I was raised by a single mother (she did her absolute best, but still) 2. I hated myself because I felt like I was failing at everything in life and even my family reminded me how dissapointed they were in me 3. I was extremely socially isolated 4. I was always tired from working 90-120 hrs./week doing two manual labor jobs 5. I didn't have any physical (gym) or emotional outlet (friends) 6. I had no idea how to pace a relationship so I rushed things right off the bat (this goes back to point 1) 7. Since I was trying to use various men I respected on KZfaq as a replacement for a full time father figure (I just listemed to a lot of their videos), I got a big picture view of _their_ interpretations of masculinity, but I still didn't understand how to be a man in the modern age when it seemed everything in society is designeddf to prevent a man from being his true self and actually masculine. Like when it came to women in particular I had no idea how to control the masculine desire to dominate, protect, and make a woman exclusively mine. So with my understanding of masculinity I ended up trying to strip the woman of her agency as I saw her as "my woman," not as what she is. Which was just a person I crossed paths with that I really like for a multitude of reasons. 8. I had a savior complex derrived from my religious upbringing where I openly judged everyone harshly. I thought I knew the answers to everything because the answers to life are escribed in the Bible. My interpretation of the Bible was misconstrued too because instead of accepting others and letting God do the judging, I judged and thought I was better than everyone else because I had moral superiority over them..yeah, I was insufferable when you got to know me even slightly. There are more, smaller reasons but I feel like this is already much, much, much longer than needed to be. And if you actually read this, far I'm fucking stunned and I hope you felt like you learned something or can relate so you don't feel like you just wasted your time (btw, I'm not religious anymore). Anyways, love the review (like all of your reviews) and I just felt compelled to share my personal experience regarding the dangers of projecting a false image of someone onto them, and how learning to accept people for how they truly present themselves changed my life so drastically it did a paradigm shift on my personality.

Thank you for this review, Alachia! I would have never heard of this film if not for it. When I saw you reviewed it, I checked it out on Hoopla, and loved it. Among the best films I've seen this year, and I have you to thank for shining a light on it!

This is a great review. I haven't seen it but it hits home for me. I've been through a dark relationship and you're right, we both saw something in each other but we filled in the gaps with our own fantasies. Some of us are damaged people.

such a fantastic analsys and review, thank you for sharing your thoughts

Wish I heard "Don't call me" a few times....... Sounds like it would make a good double feature with "Oleanna". Thanks for putting this on my radar

I'm glad someone is talking about this! I just came out on hulu so I'm sure more people will be wanting to discuss. What a buckwild movie. I had to take breaks it go so intense towards the end

Thank you for putting out a 30 minute review!! 😭

Damn. All this time I thought I was a great date! Now I'm beginning to question myself. In all sincerity, though, this movie sounds fascinating and thank you for bringing it up. I'll definitely give it a watch. This also sounds like a commentary on how most people meet and go on dates nowadays. Via the Internet and SMS there are a lot of things that get lost in translation. Great video!

He stalked her before they met because "he wanted to meet someone face to face". When she told him she was no longer interested, he sent a barrage of aggressive messages. He waited outside her work, watching her in a threatening manner. He attacked & detained her and she only defended herself and tried to escape. But because he didn't just let her burn to death and he actually did have 2 cats locked up in the basement for some unknown reason. So he's not actually the bad guy or a creep. It was all in her head.. suuuurrreee.. great message 👏

I'm so hyped for this movie I've never heard of and have no way of watching lol thanks Al. 😅

I'm in a bit of a quandary listening to you. First, i love your insights. And i do love the idea of the film you describe. I like gray areas. But, as a writer, and a fellow reader, I really dislike the idea of someone taking someone else's story (and heart) and changing the emotional idea. I was peeved about the change in Sister's Keeper, Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont, and quite a few other stories that were adapted to film. It feels like such a violation and stamping upon the vision of the short story writer. I find myself thinking three things. The first: Couldn't the screenwriter have written her own story instead of usurping and undermining someone else's truth? The second: The short story sounds like the visual of The gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker. The third: I wish I hadn't heard that there was an original short story.

Sounds super interesting, i definitely going to watch!

I didn't even know this movie exists. When I saw your notificafion pop up, I thought you're gonna talk about memes/jokes about cat people 😆

I didn’t even know this movie existed until just now.

Excellent analysis. I randomly woke up at 3 am and somehow someway happened upon this film. At first I thought I'll just have it on to have something to fall asleep to. Ofcourse that didnt happen. Wasn't expecting what was coming at all. As a film it's great, though I have a lot to say. The lack of sleep and pounding headache isnt gonna let me elaborate my thoughts how I want so I'll come back to this comment after some rest, hopefully.

Thank you for giving a real review

Been dying to see this movie since Sundance last January. It never played anywhere near me, so I have to wait for streaming.

It sounds interesting. There's a tone issue I have trouble with experiencing in darker or more realistic films though, that if the feel is off it's a bad experience to go through, regardless of the ideas and characters. Even something fantastic that mixed in some positive themes like Guardians of the Galaxy 3 I wouldn't want to re-watch. That's what made the The Menu so amazing, that it was dark, and not headed to a positive place, but the tone variations and balance worked.

Hi Alachia. I'm new subscriber. Found you by accident about month ago and since then I have a really good times watching your videos. You doing fantastic job. I have one request. Did you ever watched 2018 South Korean "The Witch" part 1? I really, really, really would like to know your opinion about this movie. Believe me or not it is superhero movie done super well (at least in my opinion) and I really think you would love it. There is also The Witch part 2. Please make this review. I'm begin you Thank you.

I'm 3/4 of the way through it now. Such a good movie, gonna check out what else the directors .

Didn't read the short story (or know it existed until yesterday) and very much agree with Alachia Queen's take. It was a very interesting "case study" that was realistic enough to critique the behavior of both characters (who are both almost painfully inexperienced and naive, as we all were at some point in time) but also uses cinematic conventions to show how their fears are not only valid (Margot's are more often far more valid due to the nature of the potential consequences she could potentially face, imo, though she is not an objective observer of her situation... who is?) but also how they are partially created through a failure of communication and socialization outside of direct experience with people (e.g. when the audience is first introduced to Margot working and texting behind the concession stand of the cinema, there is a natural sound infusion in the scene of a film trailer narrator giving a very "traditionally" gendered synopsis of an old horror movie that is selling the advertised film through a very gendered synopsis of the horror film, and this advertisement permeates the world of the film and the audiences perspective, even if most of us (including Margot) aren't consciously aware of its intention or presence). This film asks a lot of really pertinent questions on a variety of levels, many of which have to do with perspective, agency and boundaries. Even if the third act kind of runs somewhat far afield of realism, it continues the lines of reason/intuition to their emotional/logical conclusion that works (a literal and figurative house fire). If the film does have a "moral to the story," (which I think it implicitly works towards) it is that a lot of the missteps that these characters take can be avoided (hopefully and more than not) through direct, in-person communication (and I think the dialogue near the end of the film between Taylor and James puts a bow on this intended lesson). Thanks for the solid review, Alachia Queen.

I loved the film and enjoyed this review , thanks

Your dogs are so cute 🥰 I also like the choice of exploring different perspectives and not creating one dimensional characters. Antagonists need more nuance and main characters should have flaws, duh! The low ratings might've been a case of the filmmakers not knowing their core audience. However, who is to say? There is this post #metoo aura many women feel, questioning if they went too far to vilify men, thats real but they're too afraid to admit it. Some of the readers of Cat People have probably out grown many of their opinions or at least evolved to more nuanced opinions. But still, as you pointed out, their opinions are contending with that primal fear of being taken advantaged of.

Just saw it last month, never heard of it and love it so much

When I first saw the thumbnail, I thought it said "Cat People". (I saw the 1982 version when it first appeared on cable.) I can see how the short story would work With the changes from the short story, I hope the film encourages more reflection. I too have found people are uncomfortable talking with in person and jump to conclusions too quickly, when the thoughts may not warranted at all.

Just about to watch it on your recommendation it just came out on binge in Australia

Yes.

How date you suggest both people in a relationship have some responsibility for its outcome? This movie is a definite skip for me based on your description.

I understand what you’re saying about listening to both sides, definitely enriches the movie from what your review is stating. However isn’t it a little ironic that the man casted in a movie to give a voice to that other side that maybe should be given the benefit of the doubt.. turns out to have accusations about preying on underage girls? Like I’ve repeated in some of my comments. I’ve mostly had male friends but these recent 5 years have really shown to me that I was giving the benefit of the doubt to men way too much. If not regarding what men have done themselves, the reactions of other men to those actions leave so much to be desired. I mean, women have sat through movies about war, car racing, assassins, and apocalyptic scenarios with male leads… but it’s an impossibility to market this movie to men?? I think that in itself says a lot about the state of things in general, even if on a personal level we may not deal with these kind of men on a day to day basis.

Hadn’t heard about the short story or the film but this review sold me on checking it out. I have had some really bad experiences with people wanting to start relationships overall, not just romantic, through text. It’s basically now to the point where I can tell when someone is trying to do that so I keep the replies almost monosyllabic and take ridiculously long to reply. Our time and focus is precious. If someone really wants to get to know ME, then they have to make the time and space. I’m not some vague contact on someone’s phone that they can reach out to while they’re waiting for something else or don’t want to feel “awkward” while alone in public.

I think it would be very unwise to be honest to the other person on a bad date bcuz you have no idea how they will react. consider yoran van der sloot. best to continue being polite and go as soon as possible. also, just make first dates coffee, or something short, don't let the other person pay, certainly don't have sex or be alone, etc. Be smart.

@snomad2248 0 seconds ago I just saw it now. Had I not watched Cousin Greg in “Succession” would I feel differently about the character? I’d say Margot was probably 19. Quite well done. Her friends were annoying. But this is something that is well written from both points of view.

Nice job reviewing a film that I honestly was really surprised by. I thought it was well written, featured great authentic performances and had some really dynamic and strong direction. And I think the film was misunderstood. It's not a woke movie at all. It isn't even a film that is just saying that all men are bad. It's really showcasing that both genders when it comes to a relationship collapsing share an equal part in the chaos.

Adaptations adapt source material -- I think that altering it is the nature of art.

So glad you have a healthy awareness of being vulnerable when in public! I think that is rare with most women I've known who tend to not really think this way. Trying to come up with a better word than "tactically".

Girl, he stalks her, calls her a slur and literally kidnaps her? She made dumb decisions but she's also half his age. It definitely wasn't a 'both sides bad' msg, tf?!

I wouldn't watch a movie like this in a million years, but I very much enjoyed your review.

I just want to know what the therapy session was about!! They ended up together?! But didn't he just despair in the end

Excellent review on a film I probably won't watch. I simply don't relate to the smartphone generation as I grew up and married well before smartphones/cellphones/social media even existed. In my day you were forced to communicate face to face if you wanted to date someone and dating websites/services were considered sleezy ways to pickup someone only for sex. Because of the necessity of face to face communication you knew very quickly if the person was genuine or not. I don't even know how people manage to meet other people for serious relationships in the modern era with smartphones/social media. It must be an absolute minefield.

Where do I watch it?

I thought this was going to be a remake of Cat People

Great analysis

Seems the movie says: "Oh, ok, at least I am not the only stupid one"....

This girl is the epitome of why men go to jail for rape ECT. She is literally crazy.. still thinking about him after she broke in an tried to kill him..

She is terrible person she ruined his life over her fears wow she needs therapy’s

emotional horror movie

LoL , not about the movie. Just beating it up

Males do this also! The getting out of Target, the car ritual etc. Always! And the fear and insecurity of dating for males is also a horror. Will you be misinterpreted etc. I think it is really easy to see the story from the female side but for males we are seen as numb empty vessels with no emotions. But we also feel like we will never live up to the expectations of what ever, "..... did I take her to the right restaurant? (not Cheesecake factory bc only poor guys go there etc.)" Look forward to seeing this film. Kind of scared to watch it. Never read the short story! Thank you for the review!

"Todo el mundo habla de la feria, dependiendo como le vá."....they say here. Love is quite subjective. Interesting flick, I will look for it.

I'm more of a Dog Person honestly

It sounds a bit like homework 😊

Depeche Mode recorded a song called 'Little 15' and it was about something similar.

Wait under age as in under 21, or under 18? It's asinine to have two adult ages. "Oh you can vote for the legislature at 18, but you don't have the mental capacity to drink until you're 21."

SHE GENUINELY ENJOYED A MOVIE??

Hypocrisy is somewhat common at first in every relationship. Somewhat expected, somewhat tolerated. No me though... maybe even too honest. For later, there cannot be any doubt... about who I am.

I gave up on dating and got a dog. Its easier....

I'm a male, and I find it strange that a movie like this would be divisive to any body. The film that you just described sounds 100% truthful for both genders. This sounds like a really good unique artsy film that I would be really interested in watching. The emotional horror aspect, even though I don't do horror, makes it sound real interesting. I don't like feminism, because the ideology is more for the destruction of families and just having women replace men in a power role instead of actually coming together, but I do think that women's voices should be heard. It's just weird to think that only their side should be heard at the expense of silencing the male viewpoint. That's why I am respecting the heck out of this director for presenting both sides of the argument, because their are viewpoints that the other side is not seeing. I would like to know, why are feminist afraid to have a man express his voice and viewpoint in equal fashion be it in art, entertainment, politics, or so forth? The dialogue, just like in the film with the lack of communication, would solve a lot of problems, and it would clarify so much both both genders.

This definitely sounds like an interesting, and even important, film. I definitely want to check it out now. My only criticism of your review is that Nicholas Braun is only 35, which I don't think is "much, much older".

watched cat person today and it reminded me of the movie violation (2020) but less intense. the real victim was the brown best friend lol she was literally right about everything and margot just gaslights her the whole time

the problem in my experience is that women generally dont like it when the fantasy is broken. For example by talking about it. Nothing gets women more disinterested than clarifying stuff. Men know it, so they dont dare to.

Often you find the (young) girl is a terrifying nightmare. Lot of bunny-boilers out there....

How about a film from a man’s perspective, about how terrible and shitty modern women can be, I’ve had plenty of experience is like that first hand myself

Damn this movie was bad...almost unbearable at times... But yeah...If you are a GenZ uber woke feminist you will like it... (and BTW, If you are a poor little girl scared of the big bad wolf-man all the time I also highly recommend to go alone at night with your headphones on and music at high volume...so you can be totally oblivious of your surroundings...that is undoubtly the way to be most safe!) :DDDD

Oh great another modern movie about how men are terrible, that’s totally a trend thats not getting old.

She ruined his life, basic women and their delusions