For those of you who have shied away from the chaos surrounding the much over-hyped sexual thriller ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ may want to try something a little more edgy and satisfying. Enter writer/director Michael Matteo Rossi with his new thriller ‘Misogynist’. Actor Jon Briddell stars as Trevor, a sociopath who engages with young men in secret underground seminars that teach them how to gain control of a women’s psyche and get whatever he desires.
Trevor’s controversial methods of control and his utter disdain for women are on the whole quite shocking yet particularly engaging. When Trevor’s most promising student Harrison discovers who he really is then things suddenly begin to swiftly unravel.
With a title like ‘Misogynist’ and a rather suggestive tagline and artwork you’d be forgiven for rolling your eyes expectant of another testosteronic tale of male dominance and gratuitous sexual exploit. However, Rossi’s ‘Misogynist’ certainly isn’t out to condone violence against women nor does it have any real leaning towards any kind of chauvinistic outlook. Instead the movie addresses these misogynistic views and behaviours and presents it more like an advisory deterrent than something unfair or exploitative.
It’s an extremely competent and intelligent piece of filmmaking with a story and characters that actually grip you as a viewer as opposed to simply providing pointless titillation, and let’s face it this particular concept could have been entirely dealt with in this manner had it been placed in the wrong hands. Thankfully director Rossi has managed to not only piece together an entertaining little psychological thriller but he has also managed to flesh out some interesting and engaging characters and even acquire a great little cast to fill the roles.
‘Misogynist’ is very much a character driven affair and actor Jon Briddell puts in an excellent performance as the nauseating Trevor which is arguably the highlight of the movie. Jonathan Bennett puts in an equally well rounded performance as Trevor’s pawn-like protégé Harrison, as do the rest of the supporting players involved, such as Alia Raelynn, Kris Black and Danielle Lozeau.
OVERALL SUMMARY
A thoroughly enjoyable psychological fare which is much more than a simple remedy to mainstream S&M drama ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. It doesn’t pander to audiences but simply takes them on a gratifying journey into the darker side of male chauvinism where hate and bitterness take precedence over romance and chivalry when it comes to typical relationships with the fairer sex.
