The Strange Thing About the Johnsons: Your Viewing Guide

The short answer is: The Strange Thing About the Johnsons is NOT currently available on Netflix. This polarizing and disturbing short film, directed by Ari Aster, has had a complex distribution history, leading to its current limited availability. Let’s delve into where you can find it, and explore the controversies surrounding it.

Finding the Film: Beyond Netflix

Given its controversial nature and status as a short film rather than a feature, “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” isn’t typically found on mainstream streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. Its distribution has been largely confined to film festivals, online showcases, and, for a brief period, YouTube.

The most reliable avenue for viewing the film is often through unofficial channels. This might involve searching on platforms like Vimeo or DailyMotion, although availability fluctuates due to copyright concerns. Fan-made archives or links shared on film forums may occasionally surface. However, it’s crucial to approach these sources with caution, ensuring you’re not violating copyright laws or exposing yourself to potentially harmful content.

Another option is to actively search for information regarding screenings at independent film festivals or art-house cinemas. While uncommon, these venues occasionally showcase short films that have garnered notoriety or cult followings. Following film critics and independent cinema websites might provide advance notice of such screenings.

Controversy and the Film’s Elusive Nature

The difficulty in readily accessing “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” is partly attributable to its incredibly controversial subject matter. The film delves into themes of incest and power dynamics within a family, presented in a darkly comedic and unsettling manner. This has led to its classification as extremely disturbing, even by seasoned horror and transgressive cinema enthusiasts.

Aster himself has distanced himself from the film in later years, expressing discomfort with its themes and execution. This, combined with the film’s independent origins, contributes to its limited availability. Distributors are often hesitant to promote content that might generate significant backlash or controversy.

The debate surrounding the film’s artistic merit versus its exploitative potential continues. This adds another layer of complexity to its accessibility. Some argue that the film is a provocative exploration of taboo subjects, while others find it gratuitously offensive and potentially harmful.

Alternative Ari Aster Works

While you can’t easily stream “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons,” you can experience Ari Aster’s later, more widely distributed work. His feature films, Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019), are available on various streaming platforms and for purchase. These films, while still dealing with dark and disturbing themes, are generally considered more artistically mature and less overtly controversial than his earlier short film. Checking platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Showtime are a good place to start.

These feature films provide a broader insight into Aster’s filmmaking style, his penchant for unsettling imagery, and his exploration of familial trauma. Viewing these works can provide context for understanding the artistic impulses that may have driven him to create “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons,” even if the short film remains largely inaccessible.

FAQs: Unveiling the Mystery of the Johnsons

Here are some frequently asked questions about “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons,” addressing its content, controversy, and viewing options:

1. What is “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” actually about?

The film centers around a family, specifically a father and son, and their disturbingly complex and transgressive relationship. It explores themes of sexual abuse, power dynamics, and repressed desires in a darkly comedic and unsettling manner. Be warned: the content is extremely graphic and disturbing.

2. Why is it so hard to find “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” online?

The film’s limited availability is due to a combination of factors: its controversial subject matter, its status as a short film (not a feature-length production), and Ari Aster’s own distancing from the project. Distributors are often hesitant to promote content that might generate significant backlash.

3. Is it illegal to watch “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” if I find it on an unofficial website?

Potentially. Watching copyrighted material without authorization can be a violation of copyright law. It’s essential to be aware of the potential legal ramifications when accessing content from unofficial sources. Furthermore, be mindful of the security risks associated with untrusted websites.

4. Did Ari Aster direct any other short films besides “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons”?

Yes, Ari Aster has directed other short films, though none have garnered the same level of notoriety. These earlier works often explore similar themes of family dysfunction and psychological horror, albeit in less explicit and controversial ways.

5. Where can I find information on upcoming screenings of independent or controversial films?

Websites dedicated to independent cinema, film festivals, and film criticism often provide information on upcoming screenings. Following these sources on social media can also be a good way to stay informed. Local art-house cinemas are another potential venue for these types of films.

6. Are Ari Aster’s feature films as disturbing as “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons”?

While Aster’s feature films, Hereditary and Midsommar, are undoubtedly disturbing and deal with dark themes, they are generally considered more artistically mature and less overtly controversial than “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons.” They explore themes of grief, trauma, and familial dysfunction in a more nuanced and psychological manner.

7. What are some trigger warnings I should be aware of before watching “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons”?

The film contains graphic depictions of incest, sexual abuse, and disturbing psychological manipulation. It is not suitable for viewers who are sensitive to these topics or have a history of trauma related to these issues. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

8. Is “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” considered horror?

While it certainly contains elements of horror, it’s more accurately described as transgressive cinema or dark comedy. Its primary focus is on pushing boundaries and exploring taboo subjects, rather than delivering traditional horror scares.

9. Has Ari Aster ever publicly addressed the controversy surrounding “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons”?

Yes, Aster has expressed discomfort with the film in interviews, acknowledging its problematic themes and his own evolving artistic sensibilities. He has generally distanced himself from the project and focused on his later, more widely acclaimed work.

10. Are there any analyses or critical essays about “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” available online?

Yes, despite its limited availability, the film has been the subject of analysis and debate within film studies and online film communities. Searching for critical essays or reviews on film websites and academic databases may yield insightful perspectives on its themes and artistic merits (or lack thereof).

11. Is it possible that “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” will become more readily available on streaming platforms in the future?

It’s unlikely. Given the film’s controversial nature and Aster’s own reservations about it, major streaming platforms are unlikely to acquire the rights for distribution. However, smaller, more niche streaming services that specialize in independent or transgressive cinema might consider adding it to their catalogs.

12. What are some similar films or short films that explore similarly transgressive themes?

Several films explore similarly disturbing and taboo subjects, including films by directors like Gaspar Noé, Lars von Trier, and Todd Solondz. However, approaching these films with caution and awareness of potential trigger warnings is crucial. Always research the content before viewing to ensure it aligns with your comfort levels.