Due to “Civil War” becoming a box office hit, there has been a rise in public interest regarding Alex Garland’s filmography. This is evidenced by the impressive viewer engagement with “Men” since its addition to the Max catalog, propelling the film to become one of the most-watched movies on the platform month after month.
The folk horror production immediately captivated audiences upon its theatrical debut due to its unapologetic portrayal of sexism. Moreover, it stirred significant controversy, particularly for a scene that left many critics deeply unsettled.
Nevertheless, Garland’s sci-fi creation was widely embraced by the public, especially by his followers, who consider “Men” among the best horror films of the last decade. There is even a prevailing opinion that marks the picture as A24’s last significant contribution to the genre.
Max: Men ranked Top 6 in the United States
Few directors, like Alex Garland, effortlessly showcase their most disturbing ideas while still making them accessible to the public. This skill explains the success of “Men,” currently ranking as the sixth most-watched movie on Max in the United States.
Rory Kinnear and Jessie Buckley in Men. (Source: IMDb)
The title has surpassed the recent Oscar winner “The Zone of Interest” and even ranks above “The Social Network,” which has seen a resurgence in viewership due to news of its sequel. Currently, it is in tight competition with “Deepwater Horizon” for the fifth spot on the Top 10.
“Men” follows Harper Marlowe, a woman who escapes to the Herefordshire village of Cotson to cope with her husband’s death. There, she finds herself constantly harassed by the men living nearby, who share a disturbing secret.
The cast of the production likely contributed to most of its recognition. Jessie Buckley shines as Harper, while all nine men in the village are portrayed by Rory Kinnear.
“The Imitation Game” actor was interviewed numerous times about his preparation for these characters, providing the most meaningful explanation during a 2022 interview with Entertainment:
“I was really clear when I first met Alex that I didn’t want people leaving the film just talking about the fact that one actor played all these parts,” He explained. “It had to mean something. I had to make sure that each one was as credible and fully-rounded as the other.”
