Shoot The Hostage

Triangle (2009) - S15 E115

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Don’t be a square, it’s time to get an acute perspective on our latest pick as we sail into a brand-new season! Dan is convinced we’re kicking off a “season of shapes” having already prepared notes for The Circle, Hex the Hexagon and the Secret Life of Rectangles but Sarah is here to steer the ship back towards her actual theme: Liminal Space Movies. And we’re launching with Christopher Smith’s Triangle (2009).

This mind-bending entry into the world of time loops takes us far beyond the Bermuda Triangle and into a dreamlike, transitionary world where the rules of reality are flexible. We delve into Melissa George’s performance as Jess, a mother whose spontaneous trip on a yacht becomes a punishing exploration of identity. Joining her is Michael Dorman, whose character might be a “nice guy”, we’re not quite sure, and a young Liam Hemsworth who is very confident about his Greek mythology pronunciations.

From the Overlook Boatel vibes of the ocean liner Aeolus to the meticulously crafted script that rewards repeat viewings, we’re trying to get to the hull of what makes this cult movie so special. Just don’t ask us to explain the mechanics of the time-loop just yet. Give us another ten thousand years!

What to expect from this episode:

  • Sarah attempts to define liminal spaces while Dan wonders if his Tiktok feed of endless swimming pools is actually a cry for help.
  • We discuss whether Christopher Smith reached his magnum opus early with this low-budget indie horror masterclass.
  • A deep dive into Melissa George’s incredible ability to maintain emotional continuity.
  • We break down the Sisyphus connections and why pushing a rock up a hill is basically just a 90s retail job.
  • Sarah geeks out about the VFX and that incredible “through the mirror” camera trick.
  • A look at how the UK’s National Lottery helped fund this $12 million time loop nightmare with a big foam finger.
  • We explore the purgatory theory and why you should never, ever make a promise to a cab driver in a black suit.
  • Our seemingly traditional mention of Chris Barrie.

    • This season has eight episodes, concluding July 6th

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