Unpacking The Strange Things About The Johnsons: A Look At Ari Aster's Provocative Short Film

Have you ever come across a piece of art that just sticks with you, refusing to leave your thoughts, perhaps because it's just so… peculiar? Many people feel that way about "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons," a short film that has sparked countless discussions and, it seems, a fair bit of head-scratching since its release. This movie, which came out quite a while ago, still generates a lot of conversation, making it a very interesting subject to consider.

It is, in some respects, a work that truly lives up to its name. The word "strange," as we know, can mean a lot of things: something peculiar, unusual, or even something that just feels a bit off. It can describe a mysterious situation or a feeling that is just not quite right, as in a "strange feeling" or when "something strange is happening." This film, you know, wraps all those meanings into its very fabric, presenting a family situation that feels deeply unsettling and, well, quite unlike anything you might have seen before.

This little film, which the director Ari Aster made early in his career, really put him on the map for many, long before his longer movies became big hits. It’s a piece that, frankly, some people find very hard to watch, while others see it as a powerful, if deeply unsettling, exploration of family dynamics. We’re going to talk about why this film holds such a curious place in people's minds and what makes it so memorable, for better or worse, even today, in early 2024.

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Table of Contents

• What is "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons"?
• Why This Film Gets So Much Talk
• Understanding the "Strange" Parts of the Story
• Ari Aster's Early Work and Its Echoes
• How People Have Reacted to It
• Finding and Watching It Today
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Film

What is "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons"?

This film, "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons," tells a story about a family, the Johnsons, and a very unusual secret they keep. It focuses on the father, the mother, and their son, and the kind of bond they share, which is, to put it mildly, quite out of the ordinary. The story unfolds in a way that slowly reveals the nature of this secret, and it does so without holding back, which is, in a way, why it creates such a strong reaction in people who watch it.

The director, Ari Aster, put this piece together as a student film, and it really shows his unique way of looking at family life and the hidden parts of it. The film runs for about half an hour, and in that short time, it manages to pack in a lot of emotional punch and a good deal of discomfort. It's not a film that tries to make you feel good; rather, it seems to want to make you think about things you might prefer not to, which is, you know, a very specific kind of artistic aim.

The visuals in the film are quite striking, and the way the story is told feels very personal, almost like you are getting a peek into something that was never meant for outside eyes. The characters, especially the father, show behaviors that are, for many, quite disturbing, and the film does not shy away from showing the consequences of these actions on the family unit. It is, basically, a very intense experience for anyone who sits down to watch it, leaving many with a feeling that is a bit hard to shake off.

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The movie, you see, does not rely on jump scares or typical horror movie tricks to create its effect. Instead, it builds its peculiar atmosphere through the actions of the characters and the deeply unsettling nature of their relationships. This approach makes the film’s "strangeness" feel very real, almost like something that could, in a twisted way, exist just out of sight in the real world. It's a kind of story that, honestly, leaves a lasting impression, whether you appreciate its artistic merit or just find it deeply troubling.

Why This Film Gets So Much Talk

So, why exactly does "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" continue to be a topic of heated discussion, years after it first appeared? Well, it's pretty simple: the subject matter it covers is, frankly, something most people would rather not think about, let alone see depicted on screen. The film deals with incest, specifically a father-son relationship, and it does so in a very direct and unflinching manner. This is, you know, a topic that naturally brings about a lot of strong feelings and arguments.

Many people find the film’s premise and its execution to be deeply upsetting and, for some, even morally wrong. There are those who believe that certain subjects should not be shown in film, or at least not in the way this film shows them. This leads to a lot of passionate debate online, with people expressing everything from disgust to a kind of reluctant admiration for its boldness. It's a film that, basically, forces you to confront something very dark, and that is not an easy thing for anyone to do.

Then there's the question of artistic intent. People wonder, quite a lot, what the director was trying to achieve by making such a provocative film. Was it simply to shock? Or was there a deeper message about family secrets, trauma, or the cycle of abuse? These questions fuel much of the conversation, as people try to make sense of something that feels, to many, inherently senseless. It’s a piece that, you know, really pushes boundaries, and whenever that happens, you get a lot of chatter.

The film's reception has been, in a way, split down the middle. Some view it as a brave, if difficult, piece of art that explores uncomfortable truths. Others see it as gratuitous, designed only to provoke without offering much in the way of meaningful insight. This division means that any mention of the film, even now, often leads to a fresh wave of arguments and interpretations. It's a movie that, quite simply, does not allow for a neutral reaction, which is, in itself, a kind of power.

Understanding the "Strange" Parts of the Story

The "strange" elements of "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" go beyond just its controversial subject matter. The film uses a particular narrative style and visual language that adds to its overall unsettling quality. For instance, the way the characters behave, particularly the father, often feels unnatural or just a bit off, even when they are doing seemingly normal things. This creates a constant sense of unease, making the viewer feel like something is always just a little bit wrong.

The film also plays with the idea of what is hidden versus what is shown. The family's secret is, in a way, an open secret within their home, yet it remains unspoken and unacknowledged by most. This kind of dynamic, where something so profoundly disturbing exists just beneath the surface of everyday life, is what makes the film's "strangeness" so potent. It's not just about the act itself, but about the suffocating atmosphere created by its presence and the family's attempts to live with it, or perhaps, around it.

The ending, too, leaves many people with a feeling of deep perplexity and a sense of something unresolved, which is, you know, a hallmark of a film that aims to disturb rather than neatly conclude. The image of the "cocoon man," as mentioned in "My text," is one that sticks with people, symbolizing perhaps a retreat, a transformation, or a trapping within the family's peculiar reality. This kind of symbolism invites a lot of different thoughts and feelings, making the film's meaning quite open to interpretation.

Some people have suggested that the film is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a metaphor for deep-seated family trauma or a cycle of abuse that passes from one generation to the next. This perspective helps some viewers process the difficult content, allowing them to see the "strange" events as representations of psychological states rather than purely physical acts. It's a way of looking at it that, frankly, makes it a bit more digestible for many, allowing for a different kind of conversation about its purpose.

Ari Aster's Early Work and Its Echoes

Before Ari Aster became a name many people knew for his feature films like "Hereditary" and "Midsommar," he made a number of short films, and "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" is, arguably, the one that got the most attention. It’s a very early look at the kinds of themes and feelings he would explore in his later, longer works. You can, for instance, see his interest in family dysfunction, grief, and the breakdown of normal life in this short piece, which is, basically, a preview of his distinct style.

His later movies, you know, often deal with characters who are trapped by their circumstances or by the actions of their families, much like the Johnsons. There's a particular kind of dread and discomfort that he manages to create, which is very present in this short film. The way he builds tension, not through sudden scares but through a slow, creeping sense of wrongness, is a quality that is very much on display here. It’s a kind of filmmaking that, frankly, stays with you long after the credits roll.

The way Aster uses sound and visual composition to create an atmosphere of unease is also something you can trace back to "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons." He has a knack for making ordinary settings feel sinister, and for showing the disturbing things that can happen behind closed doors. This particular short film, it seems, served as a kind of proving ground for these techniques, allowing him to refine his approach to psychological horror and family drama. It's a very clear example of an artist finding his voice, even if that voice is, you know, a bit unsettling.

So, for fans of his more well-known films, watching "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" offers a chance to see where some of his ideas first took root. It provides context for his recurring interests and his unique way of telling stories that delve into the darker parts of human experience. It's a piece that, essentially, connects the dots between his student days and the successful career he has now, showing a consistent vision from the very beginning, which is, actually, quite remarkable.

How People Have Reacted to It

The reaction to "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" has been, to put it mildly, intense and very varied. When the film first started circulating, especially online, it quickly became a topic of heated discussion, with people either praising its artistic courage or condemning its content as too extreme. It’s a film that, basically, does not leave much room for a middle ground, which is, in a way, part of its peculiar charm, if you can call it that.

Online forums and discussion boards, as mentioned in "My text" about similar threads, have been buzzing with conversations about the film for years. People share their initial shock, their attempts to understand its meaning, and their arguments about whether it crosses a line. Some viewers, you know, have even reported feeling physically ill after watching it, as one person mentioned vomiting after seeing it, which shows just how powerful and disturbing its impact can be on some individuals.

Despite the strong negative reactions from some, the film has also gathered a kind of cult following. There are those who appreciate its uncompromising vision and its willingness to explore themes that most filmmakers would shy away from. They see it as a bold statement about trauma and the human psyche, and they defend its artistic merit despite its difficult subject matter. It’s a piece that, essentially, forces people to think about what art can and should do, which is, in some respects, a valuable thing.

The film's ability to provoke such strong, lasting reactions is, arguably, a testament to its effectiveness. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s hard to deny that it leaves a mark. This enduring impact means that, even now, years later, people are still finding it, watching it, and then immediately searching for discussions about it to process what they’ve seen. It’s a film that, quite simply, demands a response, and that is a very powerful quality for any piece of work to possess.

Finding and Watching It Today

For those curious enough to experience "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" for themselves, it is, actually, quite accessible these days. The film, you know, has been available on platforms like YouTube for some time now, making it easy for anyone to find and watch it. This widespread availability has certainly contributed to its ongoing notoriety and the continuous discussions surrounding it, allowing new viewers to discover its peculiar story all the time.

Before you watch it, however, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into. This is not a film for everyone, and its subject matter can be deeply upsetting for many viewers. It’s often recommended that people approach it with caution and perhaps do a little research beforehand to understand the kind of content it contains. Knowing what to expect can, in a way, help prepare you for the intense experience that the film provides, which is, frankly, a good idea for any film of this nature.

If you do decide to watch it, consider watching it in a setting where you feel comfortable, and perhaps have someone to talk to about it afterward. The film can bring up a lot of thoughts and feelings, and discussing it with others can be a helpful way to process what you’ve seen. It’s a piece that, you know, often sparks very personal reactions, so being prepared for that is, essentially, a very sensible approach.

The fact that a short film made by a student years ago still generates this much conversation speaks volumes about its impact. It shows that even a small, independent production can leave a huge mark if it dares to explore difficult themes in a bold way. So, if you’re looking for a film that will challenge you and perhaps make you think about things in a very different light, "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" is, quite honestly, a film that fits that description perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Film

What is the plot of "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons"?

The film tells the story of the Johnson family: a father, a mother, and their son. The plot centers around a deeply unsettling secret within the family, which involves an incestuous relationship between the father and son. The story unfolds as the son grows older, revealing the peculiar dynamics and the profound impact this secret has on each family member. It shows, basically, how this abnormal bond shapes their lives and interactions, leading to a very dark and uncomfortable narrative.

Why is "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" controversial?

The film is controversial because it directly addresses the highly taboo and sensitive subject of incest, specifically between a father and his son. This topic is, for many, extremely disturbing and difficult to watch. The film’s unflinching portrayal of this relationship, without shying away from its graphic nature, has led to strong negative reactions from some viewers who find it morally objectionable or simply too upsetting. It is, you know, a piece that challenges societal norms and expectations about what can be shown in art.

What does the ending of "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" mean?

The ending of the film is, in a way, open to a lot of different thoughts and feelings, making it a topic of much discussion. The image of the father in a "cocoon man" state, as described in "My text," suggests a kind of transformation or perhaps a retreat from the world. Some people see it as a symbol of the father being trapped by his own actions or by the consequences of the family's secret. Others interpret it as a representation of psychological breakdown or a symbolic end to a cycle. It is, basically, a very puzzling conclusion that leaves viewers with many questions.

Learn more about unusual film narratives on our site, and link to this page for more discussions on provocative short films.

For more insights into the director's unique vision, you might consider reading an interview with Ari Aster about his work and inspirations, like this one with Shadow & Act, where he talks about his early film. You can find it by searching for "Ari Aster Shadow & Act The Strange Thing About the Johnsons interview."

This article was put together on February 29, 2024, reflecting current discussions and understanding of the film.