**In the realm of psychological horror, few short films leave as indelible and unsettling a mark as "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons." Released in 2011, this American short film, written and directed by the now-acclaimed Ari Aster, serves as a visceral and deeply disturbing exploration of family dynamics gone terribly awry. It's a piece of cinema that challenges viewers, forces uncomfortable introspection, and solidifies Aster's early reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche.** From its seemingly idyllic suburban setting to its shocking revelations, "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" is a masterclass in building tension and subverting expectations, leaving audiences with a profound sense of unease long after the credits roll. This article aims to unravel the layers of this infamous short film, providing a comprehensive summary, exploring its controversial themes, and discussing its enduring impact. We will delve into Ari Aster's vision, the film's narrative twists, and the critical discussions it has sparked regarding sexual abuse, complicity, and the deceptive nature of appearances. Be warned, the content discussed herein involves sensitive and disturbing themes, including sexual assault. Reader discretion is strongly advised. *** ### Table of Contents 1. [What is 'The Strange Thing About The Johnsons'? A Synopsis](#what-is-the-strange-thing-about-the-johnsons-a-synopsis) 2. [Ari Aster's Vision: From Thesis to Taboo](#ari-asters-vision-from-thesis-to-taboo) * [The Genesis of a Master of Modern Horror](#the-genesis-of-a-master-of-modern-horror) * [Casting and Key Players: Bringing the Johnsons to Life](#casting-and-key-players-bringing-the-johnsons-to-life) 3. [The Chilling Narrative: Unveiling Disturbing Truths](#the-chilling-narrative-unveiling-disturbing-truths) 4. [The Uncomfortable Revelation: Understanding the Ending of 'The Strange Thing About The Johnsons'](#the-uncomfortable-revelation-understanding-the-ending-of-the-strange-thing-about-the-johnsons) * [The Point of No Return: Isaiah's Confrontation](#the-point-of-no-return-isaias-confrontation) 5. [Deeper Meanings: The Film's Statement on Abuse and Complicity](#deeper-meanings-the-films-statement-on-abuse-and-complicity) 6. [Is 'The Strange Thing About The Johnsons' Based on a True Story?](#is-the-strange-thing-about-the-johnsons-based-on-a-true-story) 7. [Where to Watch and Why It's Still Discussed](#where-to-watch-and-why-its-still-discussed) * [Navigating the Viewer Experience: A Word of Caution](#navigating-the-viewer-experience-a-word-of-caution) *** ### What is 'The Strange Thing About The Johnsons'? A Synopsis "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" is a 2011 American short psychological horror film that immediately sets itself apart with its profoundly unsettling subject matter. The film centers on the eponymous Johnson family, who on the surface appear to be the epitome of suburban harmony. Sidney, the husband and father, is introduced as a famous poet, widely adored for his kindness and sensitivity. His son, Isaiah, is portrayed as charismatic and seemingly beloved. The initial scenes present a family unit that, despite some minor eccentricities, projects an image of normalcy and affection. However, as the narrative unfolds, the film takes a deeply disturbing turn, peeling back the layers of this seemingly idyllic façade to reveal a horrific truth. The central premise revolves around a deeply dysfunctional and abusive relationship hidden within the family. The film meticulously builds a sense of unease, slowly hinting at the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface, culminating in a shocking revelation that recontextualizes everything the audience has witnessed. This short film is definitely a strange film, designed to provoke and disturb, making it a challenging yet compelling watch for those brave enough to delve into its chilling narrative. ### Ari Aster's Vision: From Thesis to Taboo Ari Aster, a name now synonymous with modern horror masterpieces like *Hereditary* and *Midsommar*, first made his mark with "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons." This film was not just a creative endeavor but also his thesis film while studying at the American Film Institute's (AFI) graduate school. It served as an early indicator of his unique directorial voice, characterized by an unflinching gaze at familial trauma, psychological disintegration, and the grotesque underbelly of human relationships. #### The Genesis of a Master of Modern Horror As a thesis film, "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" allowed Aster to experiment with themes and narrative structures that would become hallmarks of his later, more widely recognized works. The film's meticulous pacing, its slow burn approach to horror, and its reliance on psychological dread rather than jump scares are all present here in nascent form. It showcases Aster's remarkable ability to craft a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally disturbing, exploring the profound impact of hidden abuse and complicity within a seemingly normal setting. The film's audacious choice of subject matter and its uncompromising execution immediately positioned Aster as a filmmaker willing to push boundaries and challenge audience comfort zones. It’s a testament to his early vision that a student film could generate such intense discussion and controversy, firmly establishing his reputation even before his feature-length debuts. #### Casting and Key Players: Bringing the Johnsons to Life The unsettling narrative of "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" is brought to life by a small but impactful cast. The film stars Billy Mayo as Sidney, the father, Brandon Greenhouse as Isaiah, the charismatic son, and Angela Bullock as the mother. Their performances are crucial in establishing the initial veneer of normalcy and then slowly unravelling it to reveal the disturbing reality. Billy Mayo's portrayal of Sidney, initially perceived as a kind and sensitive poet, becomes increasingly unsettling as the truth emerges. Brandon Greenhouse as Isaiah carries the weight of the film's central conflict, his character's actions driving the narrative's most shocking moments. Angela Bullock, though perhaps less central to the immediate shocking revelation, plays a vital role in portraying the family's complicity and the pervasive sense of denial that often accompanies such deep-seated trauma. The effectiveness of their performances contributes significantly to the film's ability to disturb and provoke thought, making the family's harmonious façade even more jarring when it finally crumbles. ### The Chilling Narrative: Unveiling Disturbing Truths The narrative of "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" is designed to lull the viewer into a false sense of security before delivering its devastating blow. The film meticulously crafts an image of a loving, albeit slightly quirky, family. Sidney, the acclaimed poet, shares what appears to be an unusually close bond with his son, Isaiah. This closeness is initially presented as an endearing quality, a testament to their deep familial affection. However, as the film progresses, subtle cues and uncomfortable interactions begin to hint at something far more sinister. The film takes a disturbing turn as Isaiah decides to confront his father and expose the truth. This confrontation serves as the pivotal moment where the true nature of their relationship is laid bare. As the shocking revelation unfolds, it becomes evident that the family’s harmonious façade masks a deeply disturbing reality. The film expertly uses the viewer's initial assumptions about the family to heighten the horror of the eventual reveal. This technique ensures that the audience experiences the same disorientation and shock as the truth comes to light, making the narrative not just a story, but an experience in psychological unraveling. The film delves into taboo themes of sexual abuse and complicity within the seemingly idyllic suburban landscape, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable possibility that such horrors can exist behind closed doors, even in the most seemingly perfect environments. ### The Uncomfortable Revelation: Understanding the Ending of 'The Strange Thing About The Johnsons' The true "strange thing about the Johnsons" is revealed in the film's shocking and unforgettable conclusion. The narrative expertly misleads the audience, initially suggesting that Isaiah, the son, has been sexually assaulting and abusing his father, Sidney, behind closed doors for years. This initial impression is incredibly disturbing on its own, painting Isaiah as a malevolent figure exploiting his kind and sensitive father. However, "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" concludes with a devastating twist: the revelation that the father, Sidney, has been sexually abusing his son, Isaiah, for years. This reversal of roles is a masterstroke of psychological horror, subverting audience expectations and doubling down on the film's unsettling themes. It's a profound moment that recontextualizes every interaction and every seemingly innocent gesture seen earlier in the film. The film’s ability to manipulate audience perception and then shatter it with such a brutal truth is a testament to Ari Aster’s early command of narrative and psychological manipulation. This shocking ending leaves audiences with a profound sense of unease and forces a re-evaluation of the entire viewing experience. #### The Point of No Return: Isaiah's Confrontation The climax of "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" hinges on Isaiah's decision to confront his father. This act is the catalyst for the shocking revelation, as Isaiah, unable to bear the burden of the abuse any longer, decides to expose the truth. This confrontation is not just a narrative device; it's a raw and painful depiction of a victim finally standing up to their abuser. The film portrays the immense emotional weight of this moment, highlighting the courage it takes for Isaiah to break the cycle of silence and complicity that has enveloped his family for years. The scene is fraught with tension and despair, making the uncomfortable revelation even more impactful. It underscores the "point of the strange thing about the Johnsons" – to expose the hidden horrors of abuse and the devastating consequences of its concealment, particularly within the sanctity of a family unit. ### Deeper Meanings: The Film's Statement on Abuse and Complicity Beyond its shock value, "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" serves as a profound and unsettling statement on sexual abuse and the insidious nature of complicity within families and communities. Some people claim there’s an important statement about sexual abuse to be found in this student short from 2011, and indeed, the film's power lies in its unflinching portrayal of how such horrors can fester unseen. It explores the complex and disturbing dynamics within a family, particularly how a facade of normalcy can be maintained even in the face of profound trauma. As much as the film appears to be extreme to the point of absurd, on closer look, Aster has crafted a narrative that, despite its sensational premise, delves into very real psychological truths about abuse. It highlights how victims can be trapped, how abusers can maintain an outward image of respectability, and how other family members might unknowingly or knowingly contribute to the silence. The film suggests that the "strange thing" is not just the act of abuse itself, but the elaborate psychological and social mechanisms that allow it to persist, hidden from plain sight. It’s a challenging piece that forces viewers to consider the uncomfortable realities of hidden trauma and the societal structures that sometimes enable it. ### Is 'The Strange Thing About The Johnsons' Based on a True Story? One of the most frequently asked questions and enduring rumors surrounding "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" is whether it is based on a true story. While the film’s events are fictional, it is widely believed that "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" is inspired by an actual case of incest. This speculation adds another layer of disturbing depth to the film, making its already unsettling narrative even more chilling. The director, Ari Aster, has never confirmed or denied this, leaving viewers to ponder the disturbing origins of the story. This ambiguity contributes significantly to the film's lasting impact. The idea that such a horrific scenario could be rooted in reality makes the film's themes of hidden abuse and familial complicity all the more potent and terrifying. Whether fact or fiction, the mere possibility amplifies the film's message and ensures that its unsettling narrative continues to resonate with audiences, prompting discussions about the dark secrets that can exist within seemingly ordinary lives. This unique fact about "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" only solidifies its place as a truly memorable, albeit deeply uncomfortable, piece of cinema. ### Where to Watch and Why It's Still Discussed Despite its controversial nature and limited release as a student film, "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" has gained significant notoriety over the years, largely due to Ari Aster's subsequent success. For those who haven't seen it already, it is definitely recommended, though with significant caveats due to its sensitive content. You can know where to watch this and explore the chilling narrative of Ari Aster's short film, delving into taboo themes of sexual abuse and complicity within the seemingly idyllic suburban landscape. The film is available on various platforms, often shared through video-sharing sites. Many viewers recommend Vimeo.com for its availability. Additionally, some content creators, like Gotdamnzo on YouTube, have created reaction or explanation videos that can make the viewing experience "more bearable" by providing commentary and context. Of course, you're probably asking, why does this need to be bearable? The answer lies in the film's unflinching portrayal of deeply disturbing subject matter. Its enduring discussion stems from its powerful, albeit difficult, exploration of family trauma and its role as a foundational piece in the career of a major horror director. #### Navigating the Viewer Experience: A Word of Caution As previously stated, "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" addresses sexual assault for the duration of its runtime. It is a profoundly disturbing film that does not shy away from its subject matter. While it offers a unique insight into Ari Aster's directorial style and thematic preoccupations, it is not for everyone. Viewers should approach it with extreme caution and be fully aware of the graphic and emotionally taxing content they are about to encounter. If you are sensitive to themes of incest and sexual abuse, it is advisable to reconsider watching this film. However, for those who can stomach its difficult content, it offers a powerful, albeit harrowing, cinematic experience that showcases the early genius of a filmmaker determined to push the boundaries of horror. ### Conclusion "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" stands as a testament to Ari Aster's early prowess as a filmmaker, a chilling harbinger of the disturbing narratives he would later bring to the big screen. This 2011 short psychological horror film, initially a thesis project, has carved out a notorious place in the landscape of independent cinema due to its audacious subject matter and its unflinching portrayal of familial abuse. It expertly manipulates audience expectations, revealing a deeply unsettling truth about the Johnson family that challenges the very notion of a harmonious suburban existence. By exploring themes of sexual assault, complicity, and the deceptive nature of appearances, the film forces viewers into uncomfortable introspection, prompting discussions about the hidden horrors that can lurk beneath seemingly perfect facades. While undeniably difficult to watch, "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" is a significant piece of work for its psychological depth and its role in establishing Ari Aster as a master of modern horror. Its enduring legacy lies not just in its shock value, but in its profound, albeit disturbing, commentary on the human condition. We encourage you to share your thoughts on "The Strange Thing About The Johnsons" in the comments below, keeping the discussion respectful and mindful of the sensitive themes involved. Have you seen it? What were your impressions? Feel free to explore other articles on our site for more deep dives into the world of psychological horror and independent cinema.
