Exploring the Dark Depths of The Square (2008)

The Square

Australia: 2008 Original Title: – Directed by: Nash Edgerton Screenplay by: Joel Edgerton Starring: Joel Edgerton, Claire van der Boom, David Roberts Distributor: La Fabrique de Films Runtime: 1h45 Genre: Thriller, Film Noir Theatrical Release Date: January 21, 2009 Available on DVD from Pathé

Rating: 4/5

The life of a married man spirals out of control when his mistress, the enigmatic Carla, discovers a bag full of cash hidden in the ceiling of his apartment, remnants of his latest crime. What initially appears to be a straightforward plan to keep the money quickly devolves into a web of lies, plunging the illicit couple into a chaotic downward spiral.

The Square marks the debut feature film of Australian filmmakers Nash and Joel Edgerton, following their darkly humorous short film. Released in 2008, when Joel Edgerton was still an emerging talent in Australian cinema, this neo-noir thriller has since faded from mainstream recognition, yet it remains a hidden gem worthy of rediscovery.

This film embodies the essence of classic Film Noir, presenting a narrative intricately designed like a ticking clock rather than a mere puzzle. The plot intertwines themes of infidelity, petty crimes, a suitcase full of cash, and a violent husband, drawing comparisons to the Coen brothers' Blood Simple. Observant viewers may note the uncanny anagrammatic connection between “Nash and Joel Edgerton” and “Joel and Ethan Coen,” though this is purely coincidental.

However, to label The Square merely as a derivative of Coen's work would overlook its unique Australian identity. The Edgertons craft a narrative that transforms sunlit suburban settings into the backdrop for a grim tragedy. Absent are the cynical detectives and flamboyant gangsters typical of the genre; instead, the film features ordinary people who believe they have found the perfect scheme, only to see their lies trigger uncontrollable consequences. A series of poor choices, silence, and panic-driven decisions gradually turn their mundane lives into a living hell.

Reflecting the sentiment of a classic Johnny Hallyday song, The Square embodies a profound darkness, revealing itself as a spiraling machination. The characters are neither entirely clever nor completely innocent, and it is this persistent fallibility that makes the film both believable and captivating. The film is enriched with brilliant ideas, such as the couple's dogs attempting to reunite across the canal separating their homes, and employs effective directorial choices that heighten the viewer's tension.

The direction emphasizes a nearly palpable tension, using glances, silences, and off-screen moments to escalate anxiety until it reaches a breaking point. The shocking sequences, including the protagonist's nightmare and a stray bullet, resonate even more powerfully due to their grounding in a credible universe. In summary, The Square remains a first-rate thriller, unjustly overlooked and nearly invisible in France, where not a single streaming platform currently offers it. This film certainly deserves to emerge from the shadows into which time has cast it.