This writer recently watched the horror film “Weapons.” The story is centered around a community that loses a whole classroom of students but one. As the movie continues, suspects come and go and families grow restless. However, the “who” in this movie isn’t as important as their ending is. Spoiler alert: the bad guy gets what they deserve. Karma saved this film and it definitely won’t be the last.
Psychological Treat
The film “Carrie” from 1976 is a well-known example of this phenomenon. The protagonist is bullied and harassed throughout her childhood and teenage years. When she suddenly gets demonic-like powers, she uses them to physically punish her abusers. Like in “Weapons,” the antagonists meet an extreme, violent end.
For most of the plot, the audience is forced to watch Carrie get bullied. It’s expected that the audience wants the abusers to feel the same pain she did. Based on the idea “an eye for an eye,” the ending is satisfying because the abuse comes full circle. Our brains do not need to do much work here. We see evil people, they are punished, we feel good.
Movies can be reflections of society. Seeing the “bad guy” get punished for his behavior is mentally satisfying. As an audience, we secretly yearn for those moments. It’s very simple: karma reaffirms our belief that society will take action when it needs to.
Movie Magic?
What happens when the karma is all a film has? Take the “John Wick” franchise for example. (No, this writer isn’t hating on it.) The entire premise of it is that Keanu Reeves is avenging his dead dog and stolen car. While those are arguably valuable, this writer argues that the story could’ve ended after one two-hour session.
Yet, there are four movies of John Wick going around eliminating people. Yes, one can argue they’re the “bad guys,” but that’s it. The franchise relies on the idea that there will always be a karma-starving audience. Without karma, John Wick would just be another retired hitman.
Get Physical
From what this writer has seen, movies with karma tend to use it in a physical sense. Take what happened to President Coin in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2,” or any antagonist in the “Kill Bill” franchise or even Regina George’s injury in “Mean Girls.” With the popularity of these films, it seems something about body karma just works.
Maybe it’s built into us as the audience. It’s a never-ending cycle that spans across genres. We take a bite of karma, and no matter how good the film is, we’ll keep watching for another taste.
What do you think about movie karma? Let us know @VALLEYMag on Instagram!
It’s hard to search out knowledgeable people on this matter, however you sound like you understand what you’re talking about! Thanks
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too excellent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful site.
The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Nice post. I learn one thing more challenging on different blogs everyday. It should at all times be stimulating to read content from different writers and observe a little something from their store. I’d want to use some with the content material on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
Greetings! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!
Great site! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also.
Hello. Great job. I did not anticipate this. This is a fantastic story. Thanks!
I together with my guys ended up looking at the good recommendations on your web site then immediately got a horrible feeling I had not thanked the web blog owner for those techniques. Those men came absolutely stimulated to learn them and already have in actuality been loving these things. Thanks for getting very considerate and then for going for this kind of excellent themes most people are really desirous to discover. My sincere regret for not expressing appreciation to you earlier.
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…