"The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" is a dark and twisted independent short film written and directed by Ari Aster, the same mind behind horror films like "Hereditary" and "Midsommar." Since its release, the film has stirred conversations and generated a myriad of reactions due to its provocative nature and controversial subject matter. Here's a deep dive into the disturbing plot of this unique cinematic experience.
The Prelude: An Ominous Beginning
The story starts with 14-year-old Isaiah Johnson in his bedroom, apparently engaging in a common teenage pastime—masturbation. Yet, as he's interrupted by his father, Sidney, a deeply unsettling truth is revealed. Sidney catches a glimpse of a photograph Isaiah is using for stimulation—it's a picture of Sidney himself. This introduction establishes a tone of discomfort and secrecy that permeates the rest of the film.
Fast Forward: The Picture-Perfect Family
We're next transported to Isaiah's wedding day, several years later. At a glance, the Johnsons seem like any other affluent, loving family, with Sidney, a successful author, at the helm, and his wife Joan and Isaiah playing the perfect supporting roles. But a brief, intrusive kiss shared between father and son at the wedding offers a hint at the twisted relationship beneath the surface.
Revelations and Role Reversals
The film jarringly switches between time periods, offering snippets from the Johnsons' lives. We come to understand that Isaiah has been sexually abusing his father for years. This deeply unsettling twist of the traditional narrative of incest, where a younger family member is the perpetrator, forms the crux of the story.
Sidney, burdened by this unspeakable secret, attempts to express his anguish and trauma through writing. In a clandestine memoir titled "Cocoon Man", he describes his experiences, comparing himself to a butterfly trapped within the cruel confines of a cocoon.
On the other side, Isaiah's obsessive possessiveness is evident. He constantly monitors his father, ensuring the secret remains hidden. In one chilling scene, Isaiah discovers his father's memoir draft and confronts him, leading to a violent altercation. Here, Isaiah's dominance and control over Sidney become abundantly clear.
Joan: The Silent Observer
Joan's character, the mother and wife in the family equation, is as crucial as it is enigmatic. Throughout the film, her awareness of the disturbing relationship between her husband and son remains ambiguous. However, subtle glances and hints suggest she might be aware, or at least suspicious, of the unnatural dynamic at play.
In one particularly harrowing scene, Joan stumbles upon Isaiah assaulting Sidney. While the scene is framed in a way that suggests she might be oblivious to the act, her reaction—or lack thereof—adds another layer of complexity and tragedy to the story.
The Climax: A Tragic End
As the tension escalates, Sidney tries to escape from this torturous existence. He attempts to flee the house but is chased down by Isaiah. In the ensuing struggle, Sidney dies, leaving Isaiah distraught.
The film culminates with the twisted reality fully coming to light. Joan discovers Sidney's "Cocoon Man" manuscript, which describes in haunting detail the torment he endured. But, rather than confronting Isaiah or seeking justice, she burns the manuscript, opting to maintain the façade of a perfect family, even in the face of such dark truths.