Manodrome

In a dystopian near-future, a vapid man undergoes a radical training program designed to reawaken his primal instincts and reconnect him with his masculinity. As he delves deeper into this intense and cult-like environment, he begins to question the very nature of identity, desire, and the societal pressures placed upon men. The film explores themes of emasculation, patriarchal structures, and the search for meaning in a world obsessed with control.

Manodrome received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its themes heavy-handed and its execution underdeveloped. While some praised its ambition and visual style, the majority of reviews pointed to a muddled narrative and a lack of compelling character development. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some appreciating its provocative nature and others finding it alienating.

• The film's exploration of masculinity is overly didactic and lacks subtlety.

• Visually striking but ultimately unsatisfying due to a weak narrative.

• Jesse Eisenberg's performance is commendable but can't save the film from its flaws.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be conceptually interesting but poorly executed, with many criticizing its confusing plot and lack of emotional resonance. Some viewers appreciated its bold attempt to tackle difficult themes, while others felt it was pretentious and failed to deliver a cohesive message.

The film was screened at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and later at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival.