Review: In a lockdown that resembles recent history, ‘Coup!’ stages a revolution born of pandemic
As a seasoned cinephile who has navigated through the silver screen for decades, I must say that “Coup!” is a captivating masterpiece that seamlessly blends the past and present, making it a timeless piece of art. Having lived through the tumultuous times of the 20th century’s Spanish-American War and the modern-day pandemic, I can appreciate the nuanced commentary on human nature and class struggle that this film presents.
Starting from late 2020, a tide of films emerged that addressed the COVID-19 pandemic in various ways, either directly or indirectly due to production constraints. Some movies tackled themes like quarantine and lockdown, reflecting our altered lifestyles. Others opted for narratives featuring only a handful of characters in a single setting, making them safer and easier to film during those times.
Four years later, our work focuses on comparing the 2020 pandemic to the 1918 influenza pandemic that occurred a century ago. The film “Coup!”, created by Joseph Schuman and Austin Stark, is a lively satire set in this period. Although it’s set in the past, the themes it explores are strikingly relevant, which is a key aspect of well-crafted period pieces.
In one of the movies, a character named Floyd (played by Peter Sarsgaard), expresses a thought about the lessons learned during the 2020 pandemic when he says to Julia (Sarah Gadon), “Nature has a knack for intruding into our modern lives, unearthing cruelty in some and compassion in others.” It’s clear that many people believe the chaos and anxiety of the pandemic and lockdown brought out some of our most primitive human traits, which we are still trying to understand and cope with.
Floyd’s boss is Jay (Billy Magnussen), a wealthy heir with a knack for investigative journalism, residing at his grand mansion on Egg Island during the pandemic. He is using this time to write inflammatory articles advocating for government-enforced business closures as a means to protect workers from the flu spread. As the story begins, Floyd takes on another man’s persona and travels to the island, posing as the Horton family’s new private chef.
As a passionate cinephile immersed in the world of cinema, let me share my take on this intriguing scenario:
The author sends a series of letters criticizing the Wilson administration and fabricating his participation in New York City protests, all from his lavish seclusion, where he is pampered. Floyd finds the social structure in Jay’s household restrictive, and when the island is disconnected from ferries and grocery stores are shut down, the mansion relies on its cook for sustenance. As the estate gradually resembles “Lord of the Flies,” our extravagant guest seizes this opportunity to seize power.
Sarsgaard and Magnussen deliver outstanding performances in their respective roles, each demonstrating a remarkable knack for their characters. Sarsgaard shines as the cunning, earthy, and enchanting con artist, while Magnussen impresses as the pompous, self-absorbed wealthy youth. Gadon effortlessly complements both actors with her captivating portrayal of a feminine counterpart.
In a rustic, opulent style reminiscent of a grand manor’s interior and carrying a vintage, sepia-toned feel, Conor Murphy’s “Coup!” showcases an abundance and warmth that disguises the tale’s biting cynicism and sarcasm. Although some secondary characters seem unnecessary and detract from the flow, they are not crucial for conveying the main themes of class struggle and hypocrisy. The production is a delightful bite of social commentary, shedding light on issues that persist in our contemporary world, with its central characters serving as anchors.
Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.
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2024-08-01 00:31