It would seem that in 2017, a short story in the New Yorker, by Kristen Roupenian, was an immediate runaway success. It has now been turned into a film – although, commentators note that the final 30-40 minutes of the film are an addition to the original short story.
The unwary viewer, not familiar with the short story, probably expects a horror film in the vein of Cat People or memories of Batman’s foe, Catwoman. But, this is not the case. A cat person is someone who likes/has cats whether they will admit it or not!
But, this is a story for the younger generation, very much in the contemporary social media world, dating and, especially self-revelation, communication by text.
In reflecting on this film, this reviewer came across an IMD blog which more succinctly expressed the key elements and response to the film: Exploration of Why Romance Fails by Feczo, 25 November 2023.
Romance, both sides seek it, but often there are very different ideas about what that means.
The movie explores pitfalls of idealisation of the other person, placing looks above genuine connection and feelings as well as double standards and jumping to conclusions without trying to deeply understand another person.
It is also accurately portrayed how people read more into text messages than the sender intends, both positively and other times negatively perceiving a neutral or opposite intent, or just making it wildly colourful.
Although the characters are somewhat stereotypical and extreme, the situations are not far from everyday life. So they are relatable.
Cat Person is about the thorny complications of male-female courtship rituals, riddled with misunderstandings, unspoken misgivings, and ignored red flags.
Very well put, only to add that the performances are strong, Emilia Jones (British, star of the Oscar-winning CODA) as Margot, Geraldine Viswanathan (Australian) as Margot’s protective friend, Taylor, and Nicholas Braun (American) as the sometimes bewildered, often clumsy, movie fan, Robert.
Reviewed by Fr. Peter Malone, MSC
US, 2023, 118 minutes, Colour.
Emilia Jones, Nicholas Braun, Geraldine Viswanathan, Isabella Rossellini, Hope Davis.
Directed by Susanna Fogel.
Worth Pondering... 