Director Reveals 'Sadness' Film's Shocking Ending Early

Director Ruben Östlund, acclaimed for "Triangle of Sadness," discussed his anticipated film "The Entertainment System Is Down," potentially premiering at Cannes in 2026 or 2027. Östlund revealed a deliberate strategy of sharing significant plot details, including the ending, at the Göteborg Film Festival. He believes this approach sparks audience curiosity about the creative process rather than plot resolution.

The film's production involved overcoming the challenges of shooting on an airplane, utilizing VR technology for set design. This allowed the director, cinematographer, and set designer to collaborate virtually. Östlund noted that the film explores characters facing difficult dilemmas, such as infidelity, within the confined and inescapable airplane setting.

Östlund aims to make audiences think by confronting them with uncomfortable truths and examining human herd mentality and social sensitivity. He highlighted the importance of test screenings, citing a negative experience with his film "Play." These screenings are essential for refining the movie's sensitive elements and ensuring its collective impact on viewers, a practice he also employed for "Force Majeure" and "The Square."