Östlund's New Film: No Screens, Electric Shocks, and Affairs

Ruben Östlund, known for "The Square" and "Triangle of Sadness," is developing his seventh feature, "The Entertainment System Is Down." The film posits passengers on a long-haul flight forced to confront boredom when the in-flight entertainment system malfunctions. Östlund was inspired by discussions about such scenarios and anecdotes, including one where a defibrillator malfunctioned due to the plane's system during an emergency.

The director acquired a Boeing 747 to serve as the sole setting for the film, aiming to create dynamics within the confined space. He noted that human beings struggle with inactivity, citing a study where participants willingly gave themselves electric shocks to avoid doing nothing for short periods.

The narrative explores themes of addiction to distraction, shame, and the complex relationship between humans and technology. Specific plot points include a character discovering his wife's affairs by bypassing her phone's security and a scenario where a plane crashes due to technical failures exacerbated by human error, with an electrician attempting to fix it.

Östlund suggests the film will ultimately question what happens when technology fails, leaving individuals to confront their own inner worlds and societal dynamics. The film is expected to feature actors like Kirsten Dunst, Keanu Reeves, and Daniel Brühl.