A Banquet 2022
Directed by
Ruth Paxton
Made by
IFC Midnight
Plot Summary
As Holly’s world is consumed by the fragile existence of her critically ill husband, the reality of his impending death weighs heavily on her heart. In a tragic effort to escape the relentless burden of his illness, he chooses to end his life through a fatal act of poison, leaving Holly and their family to grapple with the aftermath. At the same time, their daughter, Betsey, stands at the threshold of adulthood, wrestling with her identity as she prepares for university applications. A teacher’s well-intentioned suggestion for Betsey to list her core values only complicates her already shaky sense of self.
As time progresses, Betsey’s demeanor darkens; she becomes increasingly reclusive, her behavior erratic and unpredictable. During a party that should be a rite of passage, she drifts into deep introspection, eventually vanishing into the woods. When she emerges, an enigmatic aura surrounds her, leaving her mother desperate to pull her back from the brink. Yet, Holly finds her attempts met with silence and defiance as Betsey begins to talk about ominous visions that suggest a foreboding but extraordinary fate awaits her—a fate that seemingly casts her mother as a luminous figure within her dark narrative.
With mounting despair, Holly exhausts her finances, seeking the wisdom of medical professionals in hopes of uncovering a cure for her daughter’s inexplicable condition. Despite the grave concerns surrounding her, Betsey remains an enigma, her dialogue laced with an eerie wisdom that eludes understanding.
The dynamics shift dramatically with the arrival of Holly’s mother, who introduces the chilling Japanese folklore of the Futakuchi-onna, a being believed to drain the vitality of its loved ones. Her unsettling warning—a suggestion that Betsey might embody this malevolent spirit—intensifies the pervasive dread clinging to their household.
In a poignant moment, Holly’s mother offers to take her younger daughter, Isabelle, away from the turmoil, but Betsey resolutely declines, fueled by an unwavering resolve. As the night deepens, the bond between mother and daughter becomes a sanctuary against the overwhelming sorrow and fear that envelops them.
When dawn breaks, the burden of their shared grief becomes unbearable, prompting Betsey to impart a final cryptic message to Holly: that the strength of love and support is pivotal in navigating the shadows of the unknown. In a devastating twist, she passes away shortly thereafter, leaving Holly in a state of utter desolation, her spirit shattered by the loss. Yet amidst the profound grief, there is an inexplicable transformation; Holly seems to emanate a surreal, ethereal glow, as though the very essence of Betsey now courses through her, bestowing an otherworldly radiance in the wake of her daughter’s tragic departure.
Timeline
Holly's Struggles Begin
Holly is plunged into despair as her husband battles a critical illness. The reality of his impending death looms over their family, placing an emotional strain on all their relationships.
The Husband's Decision
In a tragic turn, Holly's husband chooses to end his life by poisoning himself, seeking an escape from his relentless suffering. This heart-wrenching decision leaves Holly and their family grappling with overwhelming grief and confusion.
Betsey's Transition to Adulthood
As Betsey approaches her university applications, she wrestles with her identity and a teacher's suggestion to list her core values complicates her emotional state. This moment marks a pivotal transition into adulthood, laden with uncertainty.
Betsey's Reclusiveness
Over time, Betsey begins to isolate herself, her behavior taking on increasingly erratic and unpredictable patterns. This transformation reflects her internal turmoil as she struggles to navigate her life amidst the shadows of her family's grief.
The Party of Reflection
During what is meant to be a celebratory party for her, Betsey drifts into profound introspection. She eventually disappears into the woods, seeking solace and clarity amidst the chaos of her emotions.
Betsey's Return
When Betsey returns from the woods, she carries an enigmatic aura that concerns Holly. Holly's desperate attempts to reconnect with her daughter are met with silence and defiance, highlighting the growing divide between them.
Ominous Visions
Betsey begins to articulate disturbing visions that suggest a foreboding fate for herself and a role for Holly within her dark narrative. This unsettling development amplifies the tension within their household.
Seeking Medical Help
Overwhelmed with worry, Holly exhausts her finances pursuing medical advice, hoping to find a cure for Betsey's strange condition. Despite consulting numerous professionals, Betsey remains an enigma with an eerie wisdom that confounds understanding.
Introduction of Japanese Folklore
Holly's mother arrives and introduces the terrifying myth of the Futakuchi-onna, suggesting that Betsey may embody this malevolent spirit. This unsettling warning deepens the sense of dread that blankets their home.
A Mother's Offer
In a moment of compassion, Holly's mother offers to take Isabelle away from the turmoil, but Betsey firmly refuses, showing her unwavering resolve. This act of defiance strengthens the bond between mother and daughter amidst their grief.
The Weight of Grief
As dawn approaches, Betsey conveys a poignant message to Holly about the transformative power of love and support. This revelation encapsulates their relationship while also foreshadowing impending tragedy.
Betsey's Passing
Shortly after their heartfelt exchange, Betsey tragically passes away, leaving Holly utterly devastated. The loss shatters her spirit, leading her to confront unimaginable sorrow.
Holly's Transformation
In the wake of Betsey's death, an extraordinary transformation takes place within Holly. She begins to emanate a surreal glow, as if Betsey's essence has bestowed upon her an otherworldly radiance.
Aftermath of Loss
Holly is left to navigate the complexities of her grief, carrying the weight of her daughter's tragic fate within her. The ethereal glow she possesses serves as a poignant reminder of the love that once connected them.
Characters
Holly (Sienna Guillory)
Holly is a mother grappling with the emotional toll of her husband's illness and the fallout that follows his tragic decision. Her resilience is tested as she seeks answers for her daughter's erratic behavior, revealing her deep love but also her vulnerabilities in the face of unbearable grief.
Betsey (Jessica Alexander)
Betsey is portrayed as a young woman in turmoil, facing an identity crisis as she enters adulthood. Her behavior evolves from a typical teenager to someone profoundly touched by her family's grief, suggesting a connection to mystical elements as she confronts her fate with eerie wisdom.
Isabelle (Ruby Stokes)
Isabelle, Holly's younger daughter, represents innocence amidst the family's chaos. Her mother’s turmoil and the darkness surrounding Betsey evoke a protective instinct in Isabelle. She serves as a symbol of hope, as her perspective might reveal the capacity for healing within the family.
Setting
Time period
The film captures a contemporary setting, reflecting the complexities of modern family dynamics and the emotional struggles associated with illness and loss. It explores themes of identity and transformation, particularly relevant to today's youth facing challenges as they transition into adulthood.
Location
Holly's Home, Woods
The movie primarily unfolds in Holly's home, a place filled with sorrow and tension as the family copes with the impending loss of a loved one. The surrounding woods serve as a mysterious backdrop, symbolizing both introspection and the unknown, where Betsey seeks refuge and encounters transformative experiences.
Themes
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Grief
Grief permeates every moment of the film, illustrating the family's struggle to cope with the death of a loved one. Holly's overwhelming sorrow impacts her relationships, and the loss triggers transformative changes within her and Betsey. The exploration of grief serves as a poignant reminder of love's enduring power, even in the face of devastating loss.
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Identity
The theme of identity crisis is central to Betsey's character as she navigates the complexities of adolescence amidst familial turmoil. Her journey reflects the challenges of self-discovery and the struggle for understanding when faced with the weight of her family's tragedy. This exploration resonates deeply with the uncertainties faced by many young adults today.
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Mysticism
The film incorporates elements of mysticism through the folklore of the Futakuchi-onna, suggesting a deeper, almost supernatural layer to Betsey's character. This theme adds an eerie dimension to the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and the metaphysical, and invites viewers to ponder the unseen forces that shape our destinies.
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