The first time I watched this I remember drawing some weird conclusions that bewildered the individual showing me it, time to confuse myself, I suppose.
Plot wise, this film is oriented around a family being plagued by cassette tapes being delivered to their doorstep. It is not the archaic nature of the medium of the media that’s so bothersome, though, but the fact that these are recordings of the family themselves.
Early on in the movie you get the impression that the paternal figure has something to hide – and it’s representative of something almost karmic – the idea that your past can, indeed, come back to haunt you.
Considering the career role of the father, the pitfalls of public scrutiny and the vulnerability of one’s status – (should your past be littered with immoral acts) are presented very poignantly.
This is all too applicable to the era we live in, with social interactions most often being accompanied by the lens of a mobile phone. The problem now however is with distribution; considering the haste and range of internet communications…
The inherent selfishness/narcissism of particular members of one’s family and the effects it can have on all of those surrounding them – in terms of conditioning, alienation and a general inability to communicate with sincerity are demonstrated capably by the actors featured.
Duality is a crucial element throughout this composition. At many moments, it’s hard to differentiate between what is cinematic and what is contextually historic.
Collective gossiping and the insular nature embraced by certain sects of society are subject touched upon – with sadistic utterances of pride and what is essentially bullying being played off as simple dinner conversations.
The fear of the unknown, or realizing just how many victims are in pursuit of vengeance against those who he could have potentially wronged is a large burden for the lead – this is actualized rather early in.
Human conditioning and looking upon acquaintances and family alike as accolades rather than beings capable (or in most cases, incapable) of empathy is something problematic and Cache (hidden) most certainly honed in upon this emotive flaw.
Superficiality and giving off the impression of political correctness within these collectives – in terms of multiculturalism seems to be a mostly ostentatious act; with the socialites featured in the film not being all that spiritually inclined.
Parenting and the discrepancy between how one can often view their elder custodians with guilt – yet fail to recognize that their own kin will eventually hold them in a lower regard, is exhibited in a very nuanced manner, too.
Another factor prominent in a great number of films like this is the cause and effect nature of parental success, with financial affluence leading children into a state of motivational indifference.
Conversations being of a narrative/sycophantic nature instead of a reciprocal one are unwavering throughout a good portion of this movie, even amidst all the concerns about harassment, illustrative of a worldly decline of enlightened empaths, replaced by either those exploited or ones with Machiavellian traits.
Transitions and dreams portrayed intermittently throughout the film exhibit a sort of Jungian framework of whatever it is the leading character expects is closing in on him – and it appears that only through remorse/fear of something external that the protagonist attempts reconnecting with his mother.
Nihilism often prevails here, with even the supposed ‘innocent’ parties using their own children as a counterargument/defense mechanism when faced with unknown opposition and the threat of exposure – or worse.
Gender roles and the subservience of the main character’s wife (who is incredibly more sensible – unconstrained through ignorance) is portrayed well and needs no further elaboration.
The rarity of true intimacy and trust being an action rather than a condition is stipulated upon in a way that I imagine plagues many relationships, predestined for failure. And as is so often is the case, individualistic pride takes prevalence over the preservation of human life – or aiding a kidnapping investigation.
People in glass houses should not leak intimate videos…
Sedlo