The Square

Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: October 27, 2017

7.1	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 116 Ratings

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frankrog29Mar 12, 2018

The Square was one of the best films of 2017. It's highly successful as a work of art, in that it challenges the viewer's ideas of himself/herself and his/her relationship to society. It's a dark comedy; the situations in which the mainThe Square was one of the best films of 2017. It's highly successful as a work of art, in that it challenges the viewer's ideas of himself/herself and his/her relationship to society. It's a dark comedy; the situations in which the main character finds himself are absurd yet humorous. I'm impressed with the amount of thematic ground that the film covers, including the downsides of capitalism, the relationship between high-income and low-income people, civilized man vs. animalistic man, order vs. chaos, altruism vs. individualism, and censorship vs. free speech. Though the film is set in an urban environment, the cinematography is quite beautiful. The screenplay is ingenious. Finally, the acting is quite good, with the actors subtly and humorously playing up the absurd situations.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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BurnerBoyJan 7, 2018

It manages to at once skewer the art world while simultaneously wholly embracing it. I saw this Palme d'Or winner in a small art house theater, and at times the entire crowd was raucously laughing...at other times (the unforgettable ape/ manIt manages to at once skewer the art world while simultaneously wholly embracing it. I saw this Palme d'Or winner in a small art house theater, and at times the entire crowd was raucously laughing...at other times (the unforgettable ape/ man performance piece) frozen in rapt heart pounding attention. Hilarious, harsh, unflinching...must see movie of 2017.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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KaustavFeb 5, 2018

The Square is a difficult film, almost a bit too much of fluff and with no closure or even punchline to take away. It is quirky, a lot of it is placed in a way that induces mirthless laughter but does not make you think much about it isThe Square is a difficult film, almost a bit too much of fluff and with no closure or even punchline to take away. It is quirky, a lot of it is placed in a way that induces mirthless laughter but does not make you think much about it is trying to tell. It is movie whose sum of pieces (a few interesting ones - namely, the Museum Speech, the hookup situation(s) and human ape fiasco among others) is so much better than its whole; so much so that a person would be much better off watching those clips in a skit/sketch sort video on YT than ever caring about the movie itself.
Here are the only three reasons you should watch this movie:
1) Danish (possibly) may well be the most annoying language humanly spoken ever and this movie goes out of its way to let you experience that.
2) There are very real and awkward interactions and conversations between some of the cast that is unbelievably fun.
3) It got a Academy Award nomination and you are far too curious and obsessive to let the opportunity go of knowing what did Terry Notary, Elisabeth Moss and Dominic West do to deserve it. Well, go and watch it then. Perhaps you'll know.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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Brent_MarchantNov 19, 2017

A film with a lot to say that, regrettably, doesn't always say it as well as it could. However, when it successfully achieves its moments of lucidity, the director absolutely knocks it out of the park with inventive, riveting humor andA film with a lot to say that, regrettably, doesn't always say it as well as it could. However, when it successfully achieves its moments of lucidity, the director absolutely knocks it out of the park with inventive, riveting humor and incisive social insights. Perhaps the biggest issue here is the editing, with a number of segments that go on entirely too long, but, if you're able to sift through the flotsam to find the kernels of wisdom, you'll be richly rewarded with an unusual and memorable movie experience.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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RroyJan 5, 2018

This movie’s worth seeing for many reasons, but I’d say the performance of a « Russian » artist during a large benefit dinner is what makes it unforgettable.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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JLuis_001Jan 28, 2018

Was this supposed to be a metaphor of some sort?
I'm utterly shocked because it won the Palm D'or

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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TVJerryJun 30, 2020

If you appreciate the contemporary art world, you'll probably find this film an interesting look into that culture. Claes Bang plays the curator at a big Stockholm museum who's preparing for a new exhibit, but the story delves into otherIf you appreciate the contemporary art world, you'll probably find this film an interesting look into that culture. Claes Bang plays the curator at a big Stockholm museum who's preparing for a new exhibit, but the story delves into other aspects of his life. To say much more would be to spoil one of this film's best aspects…surprise! There are numerous times when something unexpected happens, taking the narrative in a new direction (not really plot twists but interesting detours). The people are interesting and the situations are sometimes fascinating. Writer/director Ruben Östlund (Force Majeure) continues to create work that crosses between drama and satire, while crafting personal stories that present varied and engaging characters. (In Swedish with subtitles)… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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alejandro970Jun 17, 2023

The less solemn -and friendly- side of museums, in a story that does not touch the heart to make social criticism based on caustic humor. The treatment may not be to everyone's taste, but it was not recognized for nothing.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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carlossolracFeb 19, 2022

You will probably feel smart/er after watching this. People may now look at you as, aesthetically, a separate cannon, if not in your own cannon, of shrimpfluence.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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