What’s Aged the Worst?
Dan’s animal care and accountability; smoking; fertility deadline; school pickup security; outdated technology; Play Misty for Me similarities; Alex’s characterization
In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:33Read transcript
- Dan leaves Quincy alone too long, takes him to the affair, feeds him discarded spaghetti and meatballs to conceal his absence, and places the rabbit beside acid fumes. — Bill Simmons
- The rabbit’s death is upsetting, though visible blood suggests it was killed before boiling. — Mallory Rubin
- Office smoking and Close’s smoking performance are criticized; stopping may reflect pregnancy. Alex’s age-based reproductive deadline feels dated.
- The school casually releasing Ellen to an unfamiliar woman is criticized, including the role of presumed trust in a white woman.
- Landlines and information operators date the story; cameras and digital messages would change evidence and secrecy. — Mallory Rubin
- The premise is criticized as borrowing heavily from Play Misty for Me, though the earlier film lacks this movie’s contemporary 1980s pleasures. — Bill Simmons
- Dan’s limited accountability and the incomplete account of Alex’s life remain central objections. — Mallory Rubin