INDEX
A Peculiar Sensation: Proceeding with Mismatched Buttons
Surprisingly, this setting is based on a real-life incident that occurred in 1996, known as the May December incident. The actual event closely follows the outline described above, with minor variations in specific names and details, and it caused significant shock in American society at the time.
In that case, one might think this film sensationalizes the events leading up to the incident and the uproar following its discovery. However, that’s not the case. The aftermath of the incident itself is not depicted; instead, the film is set over 20 years after their marriage.
As mentioned earlier, the story begins with Elizabeth, who is set to portray Grace in her next film, visiting Grace and Joe’s family for research. As Elizabeth attempts to uncover the truth behind Grace’s everyday life, her initial interest in mere research evolves into a profound fascination with Grace and the events in question. Immersed in the pursuit of “truth” and increasingly identifying with Grace, Elizabeth undergoes a transformation. Where exactly is she heading? Through encounters with Joe, his children, Elizabeth’s former family, and acquaintances, she pursues this “truth,” but is it truly the truth she seeks, or something else entirely…
This film, due to the weightiness of its subject matter, appears to have the appearance of a profound mystery film. The plot, laced with suggestive hints, lures the audience into a kind of enigmatic viewing experience. However, in reality, answers are often left behind for the sake of ostentatious appearances, and it’s difficult to claim that it consistently satisfies the desire for entertainment in a conventional sense of “tying up loose ends.” Instead, it sustains a disjointed feeling throughout, as if one has mismatched buttons yet continues walking forward, vaguely aware of the error. This peculiar sensation persists from start to finish, redirecting attention away from expected places as one carefully follows the screen and plot.
