Justice Smith (and earlier Ian Foreman) plays an extremely introverted character who meets a fellow student (Brigette Lundy-Paine). She introduces him to a popular sci-fi show, The Pink Opaque, and it becomes their obsession. Contrary to the trailer, this is not remotely a horror film, except on an existential level (or horrible for some audience members expecting thrills). Director Jane Schoenbrun is transgender, but instead of relating this experience with a traditional approach, they’ve chosen to deconstruct the film with an enigmatic, artsy angle that moves beyond logic. Yes, the characters are dealing with their own gender dysphoria, but mostly in a symbolic manner. There’s plenty of confusion within their journey and with the seemingly haphazard narrative. There are elements that evidence this director has a unique vision, but the experience left me befuddled. NOTE: Director Jane Schoenbrun also directed a music video for Richmonder Lucy Dacus. 
(1.5 / 5)
