The Square

Contemporary art museum satire in Swedish society

Watch on Netflix
About The Square

Released:

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 44m

Cast
Ahmed Hassan, Khalid Abdalla, Magdy Ashour, Ramy Essam, Bothaina Kamel, Dina Abdullah, Aida El-Kashef, Ragia Omran, Pierre Seyoufr, Dina Amer, Sherif Boray, Khaled Nagy, Salma Saied, Ahmed Saleh, Alaa Seif

About The Square

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About

The Square is a social and cultural documentary TV show that delves into the vibrant world of contemporary art and the challenges it faces. This thought-provoking series provides an insightful exploration into the diverse perspectives, controversies, and innovations within the art community.

The plot follows a group of dedicated art professionals managing a prestigious museum in Stockholm, Sweden. The show aims to shed light on the complex dynamics between art, society, and power, while highlighting the constant struggle to balance artistic integrity with commercial demands.

Making / Production

The Square was created by renowned director and writer, Ruben Östlund. Known for his distinctive style and social commentary, Östlund meticulously crafted each episode to offer an authentic glimpse into the world of contemporary art. The production team collaborated closely with actual professional art curators and experts to ensure accuracy and realism.

Actors

  • Elisabeth Moss as Anna, the museum's curator who is passionate about pushing boundaries in art.
  • Dominic West as Julian, a controversial artist known for his provocative installations.
  • Claes Bang as Christian, the museum's newly appointed public relations officer.
  • Terry Notary as Oleg, a renowned performance artist with unconventional methods.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The Square won the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, gaining critical acclaim for its satirical take on the art world.
  • The film's title refers to an actual art installation called "The Square," which serves as a metaphor for trust and social responsibility.
  • The Square features a memorable scene involving a performance art piece that causes controversy and chaos at a high-profile gala dinner.

Awards

The Square received numerous accolades, including:

  • Palme d'Or - Cannes Film Festival (2017)
  • Best Film - European Film Awards (2017)
  • Best Director - European Film Awards (2017)

Quotes

  • "The Square is a symbol of trust and compassion." - Christian
  • "Art is supposed to be challenging, not comforting." - Anna
  • "We need to question the boundaries of art and society." - Julian

Music

The Square features an eclectic mix of music, ranging from classical compositions to contemporary electronic tracks. The soundtrack enhances the atmosphere and emotions of each scene, playing a crucial role in building tension and enhancing the viewer's engagement.

Soundtrack

  • "Symphony No. 9" - Ludwig van Beethoven
  • "Enigma Variations: IX. Nimrod" - Edward Elgar
  • "Windowlicker" - Aphex Twin
  • "Lux Aeterna" - György Ligeti
  • "Pretentious Hipster Bullshit" - Tobias Hellkvist