Alex Garland has built a reputation as a cerebral filmmaker, delivering thought-provoking sci-fi like Ex Machina and Annihilation. But in 2022, he took a sharp detour into disreputable territory with Men, a horror film that polarized audiences and critics alike. While many saw it as a misfire, a closer look reveals a movie that gleefully abandons elevated horror tropes for a blood-soaked, absurdist finale that owes a debt to 1980s gore maestros like Stuart Gordon and Brian Yuzna.
On the surface, Men fits the A24 horror mold: a grieving protagonist, lush countryside visuals, and heavy-handed symbolism. Jessie Buckley stars as Harper, a woman fleeing London after her husband's suicide, only to encounter a series of predatory men—all played by Rory Kinnear. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Garland's true passion lies not in social commentary but in pushing the boundaries of practical gore effects.
A Climax That Channels Stuart Gordon
The film's final act is a masterclass in grotesque creativity. When Harper stabs a child's arm through a mail slot, the limb splits vertically in a slow, agonizing pull—a moment that feels ripped from Evil Dead. From there, the chaos escalates: a vicar uses his split hand to menace Harper, and Kinnear's multiple characters begin giving birth to one another in a sequence that explicitly echoes Yuzna's Society. It's unsettling, hilarious, and utterly refreshing in an era of restrained horror.
Garland's willingness to embrace the scuzzy, wet effects of 80s horror is a welcome departure from the trauma-driven grief narratives that dominate modern horror. While Ari Aster's Hereditary is masterful, it never aims for fun. Men, by contrast, revels in its absurdity, offering a psychedelic climax that could redeem a far worse movie.
Why It's Worth a Second Look
Critics panned Men for its heavy-handed metaphors and uneven pacing, but for fans of practical gore and wild energy, it's a hidden gem. The film's blend of social critique and splatterhouse antics makes it a unique entry in Garland's filmography—and one he's unlikely to revisit after the success of Civil War and Warfare. With his upcoming Elden Ring adaptation, Garland has a chance to channel this same visceral creativity into a larger canvas. For now, Men stands as a testament to the joy of unapologetic gore.
If you missed it the first time, give Men a second chance. It's a bloody, hilarious ride that proves even serious directors need to let loose sometimes. For more underrated thrillers, check out our list of hidden gems from the past 20 years.
