Misogynist

Misogynist from 2013 is a psychological thriller mixed with an element of drama exploring the dark corridors of relationships and how they are affected by the prejudices of patriarchal dominance. This film is directed by Michael Matteo Rossi and features Jonathan Bennett, Jon Briddell, and Eve Mauro in leading roles.

The plot centers around a troubled and egotistical college professor, Trevor (Jonathan Bennett), who has a deep-seated disdain for women, deeming them as submissive beings only worthy of fulfilling man's desires. The character of Trevor is portrayed with a fine balance of darkness and intellect, which Bennett channels beautifully in his performance. The misogyny that he carries is not just hatred but a deeply twisted philosophy he lives by and is more than willing to pass on.

In contrast, we meet Jon Briddell, portraying the role of Harrison, in the role of an eager student, looking to learn life lessons along with his academic pursuit. Harrison goes on to be his apprentice of sorts, primed to adopt Trevor’s toxic belief system. Their meeting sets a fascinating dynamic between a twisted mentor and a confused yet receptive pupil. Harrison is a character battling his own demons who finds himself aligning with Trevor's fancifully skewed outlook.

However, amidst this clinging darkness, a beam of light comes in the form of Faye (Eve Mauro). She steps into Trevor’s life and poses a direct challenge to his manufactured belief system. Faye is a fiercely independent woman, confident, and unwilling to pander to male dominance—essentially everything Trevor is not accustomed to dealing with. What ensues is a thrilling game of wits and perspectives, as both parties look to drive and confront their deeply held beliefs against each other.

A significant aspect of Misogynist is its intense dialogue sequences, as the film attempts to dissect the reasonings behind gender bias. The conversations between the characters serve as a means for the audience to delve into the mindsets of each character. Not only do they intensify the narrative, but they also provide viewers an insight into the absurdist arguments used by the misogynistic lead character to justify his thinking. The dialogues aren't there just to move the plot forward, but they also spark the critical thinking in audiences about societal ills like misogyny.

Throughout the film, director Rossi presents a rustic and raw reality where the characters are flawed, damaged, and highly unpredictable. He probes into the mechanics of misogyny and the societal gender dynamics, exploring their origins and consequences, all with the backdrop of dark academia. The movie also possesses a striking aesthetic, where disquieting tones of shadows and darker hues illustrate the sinister ideology it tackles.

Jonathan Bennett as Trevor shows remarkable skill in making the viewer loathe his character’s beliefs while still attracting intrigue and shock. He brings depth to his indirect villain with his raw performance. Mauro, in her role as Faye, presents a refreshing change from the generic depiction of women in some thriller movies. She is strong, empathetic and combative, holding her own against the imposing Trevor.

Furthermore, Briddell, as Harrison, navigates a complex path oscillating between his own views, Trevor's twisted philosophy, and Faye's grounded foundation, providing an interesting dimension to the narrative. He adds a layer of vulnerability and confusion, making the plot even more gripping.

The film also explores to what extent one can become entrapped in their own prejudices and the effect it has not only on others but also oneself. It sheds light on how constructed ideologies can affect interpersonal relationships and hamper personal growth.

Misogynist is not purely about misogyny but rather a critical examination of it. It uses the medium of film to critique a deeply entrenched societal issue, attempting to raise awareness and trigger conversations. Above all, Misogynist serves as a chilling and unnerving reminder of the detrimental effects a single misconstrued belief can have on an individual's life and the people around him. It's a movie that ensures the viewer leaves with questions and reflections about societal biases, making it an intellectually stimulating watch.