Unpacking The Unsettling: The Enduring Legacy Of "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons"
Before he terrified audiences with cinematic masterpieces like Hereditary and Midsommar, director Ari Aster made a name for himself in the indie film circuit with a short film that left an indelible, and often deeply disturbing, mark on anyone who dared to watch it. Released in 2011, this 30-minute piece, simply titled "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons," quickly became a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons – or, depending on your perspective, all the right ones for a budding horror auteur.
This isn't your typical family drama. Far from it. "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" delves into the darkest corners of human relationships, presenting a narrative so taboo and unsettling that it sparked immediate and intense reactions across the internet. It was a litmus test for viewers, separating those who could stomach its raw honesty from those who found it utterly repulsive. Even today, over a decade later, its themes and shocking revelations continue to be a topic of discussion, cementing its place as a pivotal, albeit controversial, work in Aster's filmography.
The Genesis of a Cult Classic: Ari Aster's Early Vision
"The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" was Ari Aster's thesis film at the American Film Institute. It's a testament to his unique and uncompromising vision, showcasing his early mastery of building tension, crafting unsettling atmospheres, and exploring psychological trauma long before he brought these elements to mainstream cinema. The film features a black cast, which adds another layer of depth and perspective to its already complex narrative, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths through an unexpected lens.
Available on YouTube, its accessibility contributed significantly to its rapid spread and the ensuing online uproar. People were drawn to its notoriety, curious to see what could possibly be so "strange" about the Johnsons. What they found was a meticulously crafted, deeply unsettling exploration of a family dynamic twisted beyond recognition.
The Unsettling Core: What Makes it "Strange"?
Without giving away every shocking detail, "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" focuses on a seemingly ordinary family whose lives are governed by an unspeakable secret. The film slowly peels back layers of normalcy to reveal a horrifying truth about the relationship between a father and his adopted son. The content is explicitly graphic and deals with themes of incest and abuse, which are handled with a stark, unflinching realism that leaves little to the imagination.
The film's impact is not just in its explicit content, but in its psychological depth. It forces viewers to grapple with the emotional fallout of such a relationship, the complicity, the denial, and the twisted sense of loyalty that can bind a family in the most perverse ways. The acting is undeniably strong, as many viewers noted: "Deep and well acted, but..." This sentiment captures the paradox of the film – it's well-executed cinema, yet its subject matter is inherently difficult to process.
Initial Reactions: A Torrent of Disbelief and Disgust
When "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" first circulated online around November 2011, the reactions were immediate and visceral. Forums and comment sections exploded with a mix of shock, outrage, and a reluctant acknowledgment of its artistic merit. The debate often centered on whether such disturbing content could truly be considered "art."
"It's one thing to bring certain issues to light, and it's another to make a sick movie and call it 'art' or 'great cinemetography'. WTF, seriously???" – Nov 18, 2011 #28
"Heard about this....Once someone told me what it was about.....could do it! Not my precious eyes. Sick ish!"
These quotes perfectly encapsulate the raw, unfiltered reactions from viewers. Many felt that the film crossed a line, pushing boundaries not for artistic exploration but for pure shock value. The phrase "Sick ish!" became a common refrain, reflecting the widespread discomfort. Yet, even amidst the disgust, there was an underlying recognition of its technical prowess. Some acknowledged it as "Deep and well acted," even if they couldn't stomach the content.
One particularly chilling detail that emerged from early discussions, hinting at the film's core horror, was the reference to "cocoon man." This cryptic phrase, often linked to the father's disturbing actions, became a shorthand for the film's most shocking revelation. As one commenter put it, "Oh-em-gee! the father liked it...hence 'cocoon man'." This single detail solidified the film's reputation as a truly "messed up" piece of cinema.
Art vs. Exploitation: The Enduring Debate
The central question surrounding "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" has always been: Is it a brave piece of art that tackles an uncomfortable truth, or is it merely exploitation masquerading as cinema? Ari Aster's subsequent success with films that explore similar themes of family dysfunction, trauma, and psychological horror suggests that his intentions are rooted in a deeper artistic exploration rather than simple shock value. His films are known for their meticulous craftsmanship, strong performances, and unsettling atmosphere, all of which are present in this early short.
The film forces viewers to confront the idea that horror doesn't always come from supernatural entities or masked killers, but can fester within the most intimate of relationships. It's a stark reminder that the most terrifying monsters can be human, and the most disturbing secrets can reside behind closed doors in seemingly normal homes.
Beyond the Screen: "Strange" Johnsons in Pop Culture
While "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" dives deep into a fictional family's unsettling dynamics, it's interesting to observe how the very notion of "strangeness" can attach itself to the name "Johnson" in other, completely unrelated public spheres. For instance, director Sam Taylor-Johnson has openly expressed finding it "strange" when people "question" her and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s 23-year age gap, defending their "connection" to outlets like MadameCassie. This isn't to draw a parallel to the film's narrative, but rather to highlight how the word "strange" and the surname "Johnson" can, by coincidence, become linked in public discourse, whether through a disturbing short film or a celebrity relationship that challenges societal norms. It underscores how perceptions of "strangeness" are subjective and can attach to individuals and families, whether fictional or real, for a myriad of reasons.
Conclusion: A Disturbing Legacy
"The Strange Thing About the Johnsons" remains a powerful, if deeply uncomfortable, piece of filmmaking. It's a raw, unflinching look at a taboo subject that continues to provoke strong reactions. For fans of Ari Aster, it serves as a fascinating precursor to his later, more acclaimed works, showcasing his nascent talent for crafting deeply unsettling narratives that burrow under the skin and stay with you long after the credits roll.
While it may not be for everyone – indeed, for many, it's a film they wish they could unsee – its existence sparks important conversations about the limits of art, the nature of trauma, and the disturbing realities that can exist within the most seemingly mundane family units. It's a short film that truly lives up to its title, leaving audiences with the lingering question: What was the strange thing about the Johnsons, and why can't we forget it?
The Strange Thing About the Johnsons: A Disturbing Film Exploring
Watch Ari Aster's First Movie on YouTube Right Now - METAFLIX
The Strange Thing About the Johnsons - Wikiwand
