TV Show spotlight
Useless Her
Xiao Wen and Su Xi took an instant dislike to each other, but soon discovered they’re actually similar people in their bones, with similar fears. Xiao Wen's company hasn’t paid her salary for half a year. Her father has found a new partner, Zhu Yun, just six months after her mother’s fatal car accident. Her mother had called her, which she ignored, causing her mother to go directly to her grandmother's house where she got into the accident. Su Xi is a highly- strung perfectionist. Her parents' divorce made her feel rejected by her mother, and pity for her father who had been the one abandoned. Su Xi has always endured the scumbag and pursued a perfect life attitude. The encounters between the two girls at this life intersection, progress from loathing to understanding, to finally supporting one another.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman grapples with her complicated family relationships and personal identity after a traumatic event. She navigates through a series of eccentric characters and her own internal turmoil, seeking closure and self-acceptance. The narrative unfolds as a darkly comedic exploration of grief, love, and the search for belonging.
Critical Reception
Useless Her received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising Dolan's distinctive visual style and the performances of its lead actors. However, some found the narrative to be overly indulgent and emotionally distant, leading to polarized opinions on its overall impact. Audiences were similarly divided, with some connecting deeply with its raw emotional themes and others finding it inaccessible.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its striking cinematography and bold artistic vision.
Criticized by some for its lengthy runtime and convoluted emotional arc.
Lauded for strong performances, particularly by the female lead.
Google audience: Audiences often appreciated the film's aesthetic qualities and the emotional depth attempted by the director. Some viewers found the storyline to be engaging and relatable, while others felt it was too bleak or difficult to connect with on a personal level.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The film's title was reportedly inspired by a phrase director Xavier Dolan overheard his mother say, which resonated with him as a commentary on societal pressures and self-perception.
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