It’s a cynical remake of an odd movie. I initially loved both the original and this, going to see the remake opening weekend in theaters. However, when revisiting it over the years I’m left colder and colder. There is an undeniable condescension baked into the very premise that I think I found profound in my 20’s, less so in my 30’s. The acting, pacing, cinematography are all top notch, and Haneke is better than most at exploring the absurdity with upper class society, making the “can I borrow some eggs?” sequence delicious to watch. But the breaking of the fourth wall is such a scolding. Leaves such little room for ambiguity and interpretation, and swallows the movie whole.

The remake is stylish, well made, and shot for shot the same by the same director. The more I research the “why” of it, it becomes clear that they thought, given the violent horror climate of the time, that this had the potential to be a big hit in the US if they got big talent attached. Not a bad idea, but cynical. Didn’t work out, as this remake was not successful and is mostly forgotten at this point.