Manodrome is a 2023 drama-thriller film directed by John Trengove. It follows Ralphie, a rideshare driver who becomes entangled with a mysterious group of men who recruit him into their insular “family.” The story explores themes of toxic masculinity, male identity, and the corrosive pull of belonging, as Ralphie’s grip on reality begins to fray under the group’s influence and the pressures surrounding his pregnant girlfriend. Key points about the film
- Premise: Ralphie is drawn into a libertarian-leaning, male-only enclave that promises belonging and power, but gradually reveals a darker, more manipulative dynamic.
- Tone and influences: The film has been described as adopting a Fight Club–like premise with nods to Taxi Driver in its examination of a loner’s descent into extremist camaraderie and violence.
- Cast and performances: Jesse Eisenberg stars as Ralphie, with Adrien Brody, Odessa Young, and Sallieu Sesay in supporting roles; performances center on the character’s internal conflict and the group’s coercive charm.
- Reception: Critics have noted the film’s provocative, uncomfortable portrayal of incel-like subcultures and misogyny, though responses vary on how effectively the narrative conveys its themes or what statement it ultimately makes.
If you’d like, I can summarize specific reviews, compare Manodrome to similar films, or discuss its themes, symbolism, and critical reception in more detail.
