While Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is nostalgic for the past, and viewers are waiting for the third installment, Netflix has released a film with a similar concept, which the creators managed to reveal in a completely new way —Dead Talents Society. The film by Taiwanese director John Hsu collected 94% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics (versus 75% for the Beetlejuice sequel, by the way) — and for good reason.
Hollywood of the Dead
Here, the afterlife is show business. Ghosts compete for the title of the best "scarecrow", because their existence depends on popularity. Veteran Catherine is a star of classic horror films, but she is overshadowed by the new "influencer" Jessica, who has learned to jump out of the screens.
Satire on influencers and more
The film makes fun of everything: reality shows, viral content, corporate exploitation. The scenes are filmed either as endless trash talk or as glamorous music videos — the editing is chaotic but cheerful. Even references to The Ring and Perfect Blue are presented with irony, as if the creators of Society are telling the viewer: "We know you'll buy this!"
Why this is better than Beetlejuice 2 — opinions of critics
- Innovation vs. nostalgia. If Beetlejuice 2 repeats old tricks, here is a fresh look at "life after life".
- Grotesque without losing meaning. Blood flows like a river, jokes are funny, but at the same time the plot about loneliness in the era of trends touches the soul.
- Without overload. 90 minutes versus the two-hour sequel, which many might get tired of.
Dead Talents Society is bold, funny, and unexpectedly clever. The main thing is that Hsu succeeded in what Burton failed to do: surprise.
