In the realm of cinema, few subjects are as unconventional and daring as object sexuality – the romantic attraction to inanimate objects. In 2021, two films have ventured into this taboo territory, with Titane, directed by Julia Ducournau, standing out as an audaciously warped exploration. Ducournau, known for her horror expertise in Raw, takes her storytelling to new heights, delivering a Palme d’Or-winning film that blends body horror with a dark sense of humor.
Meet Alexia: An Erotic Dancer with a Twisted Desire
Played brilliantly by newcomer Agathe Rousselle, Alexia is an enigmatic protagonist – an erotic dancer and car model with a titanium plate surgically implanted in her head, a reminder of a childhood car crash. Her androgynous features and stern demeanor create an air of foreboding as she moves through motor shows, teasing her audience with a rhythmic dance on vintage cars. But beneath the surface, Alexia harbors a sinister secret – an inclination for violent impulses. In a bonkers and boisterous fashion, she engages in vehicular intercourse, culminating in a killing spree that forces her to go on the run, adopting the identity of a missing boy named Adrien.
A Tense and Intriguing Father-Son Bond
As Alexia’s disguise as Adrien deepens, she encounters Vincent (Vincent Lindon), the super-manly fire-chief father of the missing boy. To her surprise, Vincent welcomes Alexia as his long-lost son without question, adding a dubious yet captivating layer of tension and intrigue. As they bond over their shared bodily betrayals – Vincent’s aging body and Alexia’s mechanical pregnancy – the film delves into themes of identity, grief, isolation, trauma, and self-preservation. The visual depiction of Alexia’s body being ravaged by the stress of deception heightens the madness and turmoil propelling the narrative towards its gruesome conclusion.
An Entertaining Vehicle for Ducournau’s Brand of Weird
While the second act may lose some pacing and stumble with absurd plot elements, Ducournau’s vivid world-building, filled with sound, horror, and color, keeps Titane on a thrilling course. The film ventures boldly into uncharted territory, leaving audiences wide-eyed and slack-jawed at this risky cinematic endeavor.
Final Verdict: A Brash and Bumpy Ride into the Abyss of Desire
Titane might not be flawless, but its central performances and daring narrative make it a brash and intense body horror experience. Ducournau’s audacious storytelling solidifies her reputation as a unique cinematic voice. Titane is a journey into the darkest corners of desire, a twisted and mesmerizing tale that lingers long after the credits roll.
