Year: 2022
Runtime: 147 min
Language: English
Director: Ruben Östlund
A model couple, caught in the crosshairs of class warfare, embarks on a luxury cruise catering to the ultra-rich. As the ship encounters a violent storm, the passengers find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island. Stripped of their privilege and forced to confront their own natures, a chaotic power struggle ensues, revealing the absurdity and fragility of the wealthy elite. Director Ruben Östlund delivers a darkly comedic and satirical exploration of wealth, beauty, and survival.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Triangle of Sadness (2022), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The film opens at a casting agency brimming with male models, their sculpted bodies and self-assured poses evident as they await their turns. The interviewer, Lewis Taylor, exudes an air of superiority as he subjects them to a barrage of questions, his mockery palpable. One of these aspirants, Carl, is called in by the casting agents, who meticulously analyze his features, their focus landing on his so-called “triangle of sadness”—the space just between his eyes. This initial assessment establishes the film’s central themes of relationship complexities, identity, and the relentless nature of the social media influencer landscape.
As Carl navigates this treacherous terrain, he becomes romantically involved with Yaya, a glamorous model and influencer who has amassed a following based on her breathtaking beauty. Their journey brings them to a prestigious fashion show where Yaya captivates the audience with her runway prowess. However, their relationship soon takes a turn during dinner when they clash over finances, igniting a fierce debate about gender roles. After Yaya’s credit card gets declined, Carl seizes the opportunity to step up—a small act of defiance that unveils his deeper insecurities.
As their argument continues while hailing an Uber, the driver offers insightful advice: > “You should fight for Yaya if you really love her.” This resonates with Carl, who chases after Yaya when they return home, hoping to mend their bond. Yet, the tension re-emerges as Yaya unveils her ulterior motive—using Carl to enhance her social media presence and secure her future as a trophy partner. Despite his desire for genuine love, the reality of their relationship becomes a stark reminder of the superficiality that dominates their lives.
The couple’s escapade takes them aboard a luxury yacht filled with the elite, all vying for attention in a world of self-promotion. Paula, the head stewardess, advises her team to grant every guest’s request, regardless of how absurd. Carl and Yaya indulge in a photoshoot, their expressions crafted to attract likes and followers. However, Carl’s jealousy is piqued when he notices a well-built crew member, leading him to suspect Yaya may be interested in someone else. His worries are fueled by Paula, who is left unheard as Captain Thomas retreats to his cabin, leaving Carl’s insecurities to fester amid the opulence.
During dinner, their joyous evening quickly devolves into chaos as guests begin to feel ill, prompting them to flee to their rooms. The yacht’s plumbing malfunctions spectacularly, forcing a torrent of vomit and sewage throughout the corridors. Meanwhile, intoxicated guests partake in a heated debate over communism and capitalism, broadcast over the ship’s intercom system, showcasing the absurdity unraveling before them.
As the sun rises over the wreckage of the yacht, a handful of survivors—Carl, Yaya, Dimitry, Jarmo, Therese, Paula, and ship mechanic Nelson—find themselves washed up on a desolate island. Tensions begin to boil when Dimitry unfairly accuses Nelson of being a pirate, highlighting the societal issues bubbling beneath the surface.
Under the cover of night, the survivors face an unseen threat, prompting a desperate search for help. A lifeboat drifts ashore bearing Abigail, a resourceful ship’s cleaning lady whose arrival brings a glimmer of hope. As Abigail cooks on a fire made with found materials, she showcases her resourcefulness, providing nourishment for the group. But as she secretively hoards food, Paula’s apprehensions are dismissed by Abigail, who reminds them that her efforts deserve recognition.
The complicated dynamics shift as Carl forms a deeper connection with Abigail, creating friction with Yaya. Their situation worsens as the group stumbles upon a donkey, caught in a painful dilemma, leading Jarmo to make a tragic decision. Struggling with guilt but buoyed by emerging camaraderie, the survivors navigate their increasingly precarious situation, all while searching for sustenance and shelter.
As evening arrives, Yaya proposes a hike, leading her and Abigail on an unexpected exploration. They discover an elevator by the beach, only to realize their unanticipated reality—they are stranded on a deserted island resort. What starts as an exhilarating revelation soon transforms into a jealousy-fueled confrontation, forcing the trio’s dynamics to a head. In a powerful moment, Yaya offers Abigail a potential job, prompting tears and emotional turmoil.
As the film draws to a close, Carl races through the woods, desperate to reach Yaya and Abigail before it’s too late. Their complex web of relationships showcases how deeply intertwined love, ambition, and the desire for validation can become, revealing the harsh truths hidden beneath the surface of beauty.
Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 19:27
Still wondering what the ending of Triangle of Sadness (2022) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
“Triangle of Sadness” concludes with a stark commentary on social hierarchies and human nature. After the yacht is wrecked by pirates during a storm, only a handful of survivors—including Carl, Yaya, and a few others—end up stranded on a remote island. On their rescue, Yaya initially believes they will be saved by the nearby luxury resort, but her hope is dashed when she and Abigail discover that the resort has a functioning elevator and appears programmed for the wealthy. Yaya, excited by the prospect of rescue, is about to inform the group, but Abigail, who has begun to assert dominance, secretly kills Yaya with a large rock to maintain her newfound power and status. This act signifies the complete collapse of social pretenses, replacing them with raw survival instincts and the brutal reality of power dynamics. The film ends with Carl desperately searching the island’s forest for Yaya and Abigail, hinting that Abigail may either be manipulating her way into the luxurious resort, escaping alone, or possibly harming Yaya to preserve her dominance. The ambiguous ending leaves viewers contemplating whether true social hierarchies can be overturned or if human nature inevitably reverts to selfishness and brutality once the veneer of civilization falls away. Ultimately, “Triangle of Sadness” uses its dark satire to emphasize that beneath societal decorum, power and survival remain the ultimate truths, challenging the notion that wealth and social standing can shield us from our most primal instincts.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44
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