The Strange Thing About the Johnsons: An Unflinching Psychological Horror Short Film

Overview of The Strange Thing About the Johnsons

The Strange Thing About the Johnsons is a 2011 short horror film written and directed by Ari Aster in his directorial debut. Clocking in at just under 30 minutes, this disturbing film packs a shocking and unforgettable punch. Centering around an affluent African-American family - the Johnsons - the film explores dark themes of abuse, trauma, and taboo sexual relationships.

The film begins by introducing us to the Johnson family - father Isaiah (played by Billy Mayo), mother Madeline (Angela Bullock), and their teenage son Isaiah Jr. (Brandon Greenhouse). On the surface they appear to be a normal, upper-middle class family. However, it soon becomes clear there are sinister secrets lurking below this facade.

Disturbing Family Dynamics

Through a series of chilling flashbacks, we learn that the father (Isaiah) has been sexually abusing his son (Isaiah Jr.) for years. This has left Isaiah Jr. traumatized and confused. He tries to resist his father's advances but feels powerless to stop the abuse.

Isaiah's wife Madeline seems oblivious to the horrors happening under her own roof. When Isaiah Jr. attempts to tell her what's been going on, she dismisses his claims as nonsense. This underscores the isolating nature of abuse - how victims are often afraid or unable to speak out, and how others can be willfully blind to the warning signs.

A Troubling Reversal

In an unexpected twist, Isaiah Jr. starts making sexual advances towards his own father. The power dynamic has shifted - now the victim starts taking control and perpetrator becomes victim. This poses challenging questions about culpability, revenge, and the cyclical nature of abuse.

The film never provides any neat explanations or conclusions. Instead it plunges the viewer into the chaos and confusion of this profoundly dysfunctional family. We are left grasping to understand how such a disturbing situation could unfold.

Cinematography and Style

Despite being Ari Aster's first film, The Strange Thing About the Johnsons demonstrates remarkable directorial skill and control. The cinematography is meticulously composed, utilizing static shots held for uncomfortably long takes. This intensifies the simmering tension between characters.

The visual style channels 70s family melodramas like Ordinary People. There is a distinctly theatrical, almost surreal quality to some of the scenes. The piano-heavy score compounds this dreamlike vibe. So even as the subject matter grows more disturbing, the style remains carefully controlled.

Aster also employs sharp editing at key moments to ratchet up shock value. Quick cuts, jarring sound effects, and clever framing choices maximize the horror. This dynamic and disorienting style serves to place the viewer directly into the turmoil of the narrative.

Chilling Conclusion

The film builds to an excruciating final scene between father and son in the bathroom. Fearing his son's retribution, Isaiah is visibly disturbed and unstable. When Isaiah Jr. takes off his shirt and starts undoing his pants, it appears another cycle of abuse is imminent.

Instead, Isaiah Jr. retrieves a knife he had hidden behind the toilet lid and stabs his father to death. The son has finally broken the cycle, albeit through an equally horrific act of violence. He sits on the floor cradling his father's body, implicitly understanding he too has been forever changed by these experiences.

Response and Analysis

Despite its short runtime, The Strange Thing About the Johnsons leaves audiences profoundly unsettled. Such a shocking and taboo story could easily sensationalize or exploit such subject matter. However, Aster demonstrates restraint and nuance in his handling of the material.

There are no easy answers here. The film forgoes simplistic notions of victims and perpetrators. Instead it asks challenging questions about how inexcusable acts can be explained (but not justified) through context and character history. It operates in shades of gray rather than absolutes.

Expert Direction

Ari Aster immediately establishes himself as a directing talent to watch. His unflinching willingness to explore such sinister themes heralds the arrival of a bold new cinematic voice. The fact that he handles such provocative material so expertly in his first short film is an incredible accomplishment.

The performances Aster draws from his cast are remarkable. He elicits subtle, nuanced portrayals of characters grappling with unspeakable trauma and acts. The slow build of tension is masterfully executed.

Lingering Impact

While difficult to watch, the film presents an honest, artful look at the lasting impacts of abuse. It serves as a stark reminder that behind closed doors, unthinkable horrors can unfold even in seemingly 'normal' families. The reverberations of trauma ripple outward in unseen ways.

The Strange Thing About the Johnsons is unlikely to leave your mind anytime soon after viewing. Uncompromising and skillfully crafted, it heralds the arrival of Ari Aster as a unique new voice in psychological horror.

Where to Watch The Strange Thing About the Johnsons

Since it is a short film, The Strange Thing About the Johnsons is not available to stream on most major platforms. However, you can find the full 30-minute film uploaded online. Due to the graphic, disturbing content, viewer discretion is strongly advised.

The short generated significant buzz after debuting at Sundance 2011. This enabled Ari Aster to secure feature film opportunities like Hereditary and Midsommar, which cemented his status as one of the most exciting new directors in the horror genre. For fans of psychologically intense, art-house horror, The Strange Thing About the Johnsons delivers a profoundly haunting viewing experience.

FAQs

Who wrote and directed The Strange Thing About the Johnsons?

The Strange Thing About the Johnsons was written and directed by Ari Aster, marking his directorial debut.

What year did The Strange Thing About the Johnsons premiere?

The short film premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival in the Shorts Program.

How long is The Strange Thing About the Johnsons?

The Strange Thing About the Johnsons has a runtime of around 30 minutes, qualifying it as a short film.

What taboo themes does The Strange Thing About the Johnsons explore?

The film explores dark, disturbing subject matter like sexual abuse, trauma, revenge, and incest within an affluent African-American family.

Where can I watch The Strange Thing About the Johnsons online?

Due to its graphic content, the short is not available on most major platforms, but can be found uploaded in full on some websites.