Coup! A Dark Comedy Exploring Class Struggles in 1918

Coup! is a 2024 film that uses dark humor to explore themes of wealth and class divisions during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. The story follows Jay, a journalist with progressive views, whose life is turned upside down by Monk, a cunning con artist posing as a cook. As Monk challenges Jay's authority, the film reveals the hypocrisy of the wealthy and the chaos that ensues. With a runtime of just 98 minutes, this modestly budgeted film delivers sharp commentary on social issues while providing entertainment. Discover the performances of Peter Sarsgaard and Billy Magnussen in this engaging narrative.
 | 
Coup! A Dark Comedy Exploring Class Struggles in 1918

Overview of Coup!


Coup! is a recent film that employs dark humor to critique themes of wealth, privilege, and social inequality. Directed by Austin Stark and Joseph Schuman, this 2024 release features a con artist who infiltrates a lavish mansion with plans to seize control.


Set against the backdrop of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the film follows Jay (Billy Magnussen), a journalist who isolates himself with his wife Julie (Sarah Gadon), their children, and a few servants on their expansive estate.


While Jay publicly champions progressive ideals and denounces injustice, he privately exhibits feudal attitudes towards his household staff, whom he refers to as 'staff' but expects to adhere to his strict rules, including a vegetarian diet.


The arrival of Monk (Peter Sarsgaard) disrupts Jay's carefully maintained world. Disguised as a cook, Monk gains the support of two other servants and begins to challenge Jay's authority, revealing the hypocrisy of his character while also exposing his own moral failings.


This film, produced on a modest budget, effectively conveys its themes within a concise runtime of 98 minutes, perfectly capturing Monk's rebellion, Jay's growing panic, and the ensuing household chaos.


Peter Sarsgaard delivers a cunning performance as the mischievous cook, while Billy Magnussen impresses as the self-important yet oblivious Jay. The film illustrates that revolutions, though often chaotic and violent, can also be entertaining.



Other Films to Consider This Week:


‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’ is an ode to personal and political passions


In ‘Unaad’, the tug between heart and head


‘Mountainhead’ is a grim satire about tech billionaires


News Hub