Joshua Oppenheimer, a renowned figure in the realm of cinema, presents a unique postapocalyptic musical that delves deep into the psyche of a wealthy family ensconced in an underground bunker. This work challenges our perceptions and leaves a lasting impact.

Unraveling the Depths of a Placidly Disturbing Underworld

Introduction to the Family

In Joshua Oppenheimer's latest creation, we encounter a family living in a vast and luxurious underground bunker while the world above burns. The man of the house, known only as "Father" (portrayed by Michael Shannon), was once a powerful oil mogul, a staunch defender of fossil fuels. His wife, a former ballet dancer (Tilda Swinton), spends her days arranging the well-appointed rooms, adorned with the world's greatest masterpieces. They brought these treasures with them when they fled the surface.Mother and Father have a son, born underground and now in his 20s (George MacKay), who has been well-educated within this bunker and is doted upon by his parents and a few others. His best friend is also his mother's best friend (Bronagh Gallagher), a former great chef. Alongside them, there is an affable butler (Tim McInnerny) and a grumpy doctor (Lennie James). For decades, this has been their tight-knit community, with very few left above.

The Musical Aspect

Musicals typically use songs to convey characters' emotions such as desire, fear, or exhilaration. However, "The End" plays with these expectations. The characters sing lyrical songs with great swelling orchestral harmonies and sometimes dance. Oppenheimer himself wrote the lyrics, with music by Joshua Schmidt and a score by Schmidt and Marius de Vries. But beneath the smiles, their faces often slip into mask-like panic, with dead eyes. Oppenheimer masterfully modulates the lighting during the scenes, from cool to warm and back again, emphasizing the vacillating feelings they can't openly acknowledge.

The Family's Past and Present

The father's past as an oil mogul and his role in the world before the apocalypse are revealed. His actions and beliefs have had far-reaching consequences. As the story unfolds, we see how the family's life in the bunker has shaped them. The mother's nervousness and her need to control the environment are evident. The son, growing up in this isolated world, has his own set of struggles and questions. The relationships within the family are complex and multi-faceted, adding depth to the narrative.The few others who joined them in the bunker also play important roles. The butler's affability and the doctor's grumpiness contribute to the unique atmosphere of the bunker. Each character brings something different to the story, making it a rich and immersive experience.Oppenheimer's postapocalyptic musical is not just a visual and auditory spectacle but also a profound exploration of human nature and the consequences of our actions. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths and leaves us with a sense of unease long after the story ends.