Subverting Expectations: Karyn Kusama’s “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Invitation”

Karyn Kusama is a filmmaker who knows how to keep her audience on their toes. With a knack for subverting genre tropes and delving into complex themes, Kusama has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema. Two of her most notable films, “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Invitation,” showcase her unique approach to storytelling and her ability to create compelling, multifaceted female characters.

Let’s start with “Jennifer’s Body.” When I first heard about this movie, I was skeptical. A horror-comedy about a high school cheerleader who becomes possessed by a demon and starts killing her male classmates? It sounded like a recipe for disaster. But Kusama, along with writer Diablo Cody, managed to take this seemingly ridiculous premise and turn it into a smart, subversive commentary on gender roles and the horror genre itself.

What I found most impressive about “Jennifer’s Body” was the way it flipped the script on traditional horror movie tropes. Instead of portraying Jennifer as a helpless victim, the film imbues her with a sense of agency and power. Sure, she’s a literal man-eater, but she’s also a complex character grappling with the trauma of sexual assault and the pressures of conforming to societal expectations of femininity. Megan Fox’s performance is a revelation, bringing depth and nuance to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional.

But “Jennifer’s Body” isn’t just a clever subversion of horror tropes. It’s also a biting commentary on the ways in which society objectifies and commodifies women’s bodies. Jennifer’s transformation into a succubus is a metaphor for the way in which women are often valued solely for their sexuality and appearance. The film is a searing indictment of rape culture and the damage it can inflict on young women.

Moving on to “The Invitation,” Kusama takes a different approach to exploring themes of gender and power. The film is a slow-burn thriller that follows a group of friends who are invited to a dinner party by their former friend and his new wife. As the night progresses, tensions rise and dark secrets are revealed, leading to a shocking and violent conclusion.

What I found most interesting about “The Invitation” was the way it portrayed the dynamics of a seemingly perfect relationship. Michiel Huisman’s character, David, is a charismatic and successful man who seems to have it all together. But as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that he is a master manipulator who uses his charm and good looks to control and gaslight his wife, Eden, played by Tammy Blanchard.

Kusama does an excellent job of building tension throughout the film, slowly revealing the cracks in David and Eden’s relationship. The dinner party setting is claustrophobic and unsettling, with each character harboring their own secrets and motivations. But what really sets “The Invitation” apart is the way it subverts traditional gender roles within the context of a romantic relationship.

In many films, the male character is often portrayed as the strong, dominant figure, while the female character is relegated to the role of the submissive, helpless victim. But in “The Invitation,” Kusama flips this dynamic on its head. Eden is not a helpless victim, but a survivor who is fighting to reclaim her agency and sense of self in the face of unimaginable trauma. Blanchard’s performance is a standout, bringing a quiet strength and resilience to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional.

Both “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Invitation” showcase Kusama’s talent for creating complex, multifaceted female characters who defy traditional gender roles and expectations. These films are not just entertaining thrillers, but thought-provoking commentaries on the ways in which society often marginalizes and oppresses women.

Kusama’s work is a testament to the power of representation and the importance of telling stories that reflect the diverse experiences of women in our society. She is a filmmaker who is not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, and her unique vision and style have made her a standout in the world of cinema.

So if you’re looking for films that will keep you on the edge of your seat while also challenging your assumptions about gender and power, I highly recommend checking out “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Invitation.” Kusama’s work is a refreshing change of pace from the male-dominated world of Hollywood, and I for one can’t wait to see what she does next.

It’s worth noting that both “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Invitation” were not necessarily box office successes upon their initial release. “Jennifer’s Body” in particular was met with mixed reviews and a disappointing financial performance, while “The Invitation” had a more limited release and flew under the radar for many moviegoers.

However, in the years since their release, both films have garnered a cult following and a newfound appreciation for their subversive themes and unique storytelling. “Jennifer’s Body” has been reappraised as a feminist horror classic, with many critics and fans praising its clever commentary on gender roles and the horror genre. Similarly, “The Invitation” has been hailed as a masterful slow-burn thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

I think this delayed appreciation for Kusama’s work speaks to the way in which her films challenge viewers’ expectations and preconceptions. These are not easy, straightforward films that spoon-feed their messages to the audience. Instead, they require active engagement and a willingness to grapple with complex themes and ideas.

In a world where so many films follow predictable formulas and rely on tired tropes, Kusama’s work is a breath of fresh air. She is a filmmaker who is not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, and her unique vision and style have made her a standout in the world of cinema.

Looking back on “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Invitation,” it’s clear that Kusama was ahead of her time in many ways. These films were exploring themes and ideas that are only now starting to gain mainstream attention and acceptance. The #MeToo movement and the ongoing conversation around sexual assault and harassment have brought a new level of urgency and relevance to the themes explored in “Jennifer’s Body,” while the gaslighting and manipulation portrayed in “The Invitation” feel all too familiar in the age of social media and online dating.

Kusama’s work is a reminder that cinema has the power to not only entertain, but also to challenge and provoke. Her films are not just thrilling rides, but thought-provoking explorations of the human experience. They ask us to question our assumptions and to look at the world in new and different ways.
So if you’re a fan of bold, subversive storytelling that doesn’t shy away from difficult themes and ideas, I highly recommend diving into the works of Karyn Kusama. “Jennifer’s Body” and “The Invitation” are just two examples of her unique and powerful voice as a filmmaker, and I have no doubt that she will continue to push boundaries and challenge audiences for years to come.

In a world where so many films play it safe and follow the same tired formulas, Kusama’s work is a reminder of the transformative power of cinema. She is a filmmaker who is not afraid to take risks and to tell stories that matter, and I for one am grateful for her contributions to the world of film.