Movie buffs say there’s a disturbing film ‘everyone should see’ and it’s leaving some genuinely traumatized.
Darren Aronofsky is a well-known filmmaker whose work is recognized for its surreal and sometimes chilling elements.
In recent years, he’s made a name for himself through motion pictures such as Black Swan, Mother!, and The Whale.
But there’s another film from early in Aronofsky’s career that rarely gets talked about, despite being dubbed one of the best movies in history.
Discussing the film on social media, one person writes: “I don’t know how many times I watched it but it f***ed me up a little worse each time.”
Another says: “A brutal masterpiece, a must-watch but be prepared to be emotionally wrecked.”
“Unlike most f***ed up’ movies, this is expertly directed, acted, and has a very poignant story that leaves you very empty by the end,” comments a third viewer. “It very much sucks the hope and happiness out of you. The Dementor of films.”
Somebody else pens: “The most traumatic movie I have ever watched.”
A fifth person adds: “Brilliant but deeply unsettling and draining…”
The psychological drama, starring Jared Leto, Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher McDonald, and Marlon Wayans, is based on the 1978 novel of the same name by Hubert Selby Jr., who Aronofsky wrote the script with.
It depicts four characters affected by drug addiction and how it alters their physical and emotional states.
Throughout the movie, each one deteriorates, eventually resulting in catastrophe.
Interest in the film reignited after comedian Rose Matafeo asked on X, formerly Twitter: “What is the best film that you never want to see again? Or at least for a very long time?”
The drama was a clear winner, with one person responding: “I just do not think I will be able to watch it again. It is so heavy and unflinching in the depiction. Great piece of cinema. But tough.”
In agreement, another adds: “Never – and I do mean NEVER – again.”
Although Requiem for a Dream was considered a box office disappointment, it’s garnered a following over the years.
It has an impressive audience score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, while it’s been rated 8.3/10 on IMDb.
The latter has even listed the movie in its ‘Top 250 Movies,’ ranking at 91.
In an interview with The Talk, Aronofsky said he goes ‘as far as he can’ to torture his audience, explaining: “In today’s world, it is very hard to create images and ideas that people remember more than right in the moment so you want to create an experience that lasts. That usually has to be a pretty intense journey.”
Watch the trailer for Requiem for a Dream below…
Requiem for a Dream can be streamed through Prime Video and Apple TV.
