Exploring ‘Bagworm’: A Deep Dive into the Dark Aspects of the Manosphere at SXSW
A tumultuous break-up spirals into a near-catastrophic breakdown in Oliver Bernsen’s feature debut, *Bagworm*. Often categorized as a body-horror film, it earns that label through its unsettling imagery of gore and disarray. However, the film’s bizarre title might better align it with black comedy, especially for those who find humor in the works of Rick Alverson, particularly his 2015 film, *Entertainment*.
Peter Falls portrays Carroll, an unremarkable man whose descent into chaos is stark given his minimal starting point. The storyline unfolds not as a linear narrative but rather as a series of escalating misfortunes, beginning when Carroll steps on a rusty nail in his backyard. His already lackluster dating life takes a nosedive as he resorts to cringing attempts at sophistication, including fake selfies purportedly taken abroad.
As his situation deteriorates, Carroll loses his peculiar job at an overseas company selling a gadget called a “Handmer,” a portable hammer that reflects the film’s absurdist humor. Instead of utilizing his newfound free time constructively, Carroll spends hours doomscrolling on YouTube. In a particularly bizarre scene, he obsessively follows a motorist who he witnesses throwing trash from his car, only to return the discarded item. Carroll’s home mirrors his unraveling life, depicted as almost cartoonishly dilapidated. An attempt to enhance his living space leads him to purchase a shabby armchair on Craigslist, one that previously belonged to a comatose elderly woman.
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Ultimately, the film leads to a friend’s bachelor party in Las Vegas, an event Carroll is reluctant to attend. As the narrative unfolds, an infection from the rusty nail takes its toll on him, transforming him into a physically repugnant figure. Despite his grotesque condition, those around him remain oblivious, highlighting the film’s central theme: Carroll’s profound mental decline following his break-up.
While Carroll descends into dark territories, he does find a way to rise from his downward spiral, although the path may alienate many viewers. At first unlikable, Carroll’s character gains some sympathy, particularly when juxtaposed with his unlikable friends, making him seem marginally more relatable. Falls effectively conveys the tragedy of Carroll’s plight without leaning into pity; *Bagworm* starkly illustrates the toxic nature of the manosphere with graphic and unsettling details.
Title: Bagworm
Festival: SXSW (Visions)
Director: Oliver Bernsen
Screenwriter: Henry Bernsen
Cast: Peter Falls, Michelle Ortiz, Robbie Arnett, Corbin Bernsen, Stephen Borrello, Jessy Morner-Ritt, Sydney Winbush, Francesca Galassi
Running time: 1 hr 36 mins
