Seven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss
BLUE FINCH FILMSeven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss exists to prove, if nothing else, that surrealism, existentialism and shock value humour can coexist peacefully. Vivieno Caldinelli’s gleefully cult-centered comedy is as much about a couple’s descent into brainwashed bliss as it is about the value of self-worth, self-awareness and love. Through this lens, the film deftly unravels a relationship held together by the absurdity of the cult phenomenon. From there, it devolves into a chaotic and escalating comedy of errors elevated by endearingly absurd performances and thoughtful story development.
At the center of this story is Claire (Kate Micucci) and Paul (Sam Huntington), a young couple starting new lives in Los Angeles. As Claire settles in at her new job, and Paul searches for meaning in his stay-at-home lifestyle, the couple soon learns that their cheap and conveniently-located apartment is frequently used by cult members for graphic ritualistic bathtub suicides. As more and more cult members enter their home, Claire and Paul find themselves tasked with the emotional pressure of encountering this cult and confronting the very nature of their relationship.
The cast is a somewhat wacky assortment of the finest comedic voices in the industry. Joining Micucci and Huntington is: Dan Harmon, as a detective and aspiring screenwriter investigating the cult; Rhea Seehorn, as a wealthy public figure and client of the company Claire works for; and Taika Waititi, as Storsh, the leader of the cult itself. What keeps the film afloat throughout its absurdity is this colourful cast. Each actor brings a heightened level of commitment to their roles, and stretches far beyond the boundaries of what might normally be expected of them. Harmon, in particular, finds the pathos and humanity underneath what might normally be a broad comedic persona, and Seehorn gets to play against type as a somewhat unpredictable presence in the narrative.
The story is segmented into seven stages that outline both the fundamental principles of the cult, as well as Claire and Paul’s descent into chaos. This segmentation works because it charts a clear outline for their development, and defines the blurred lines between cultish fanaticism and the desire for self-improvement. This film creates a dark and twisted commentary on humanity’s need for fulfilment through devotion to both people and the ideals they represent. As a dark comedy, the film is wildly entertaining and almost heartbreaking to watch. As a social commentary, it wobbles and comes too close to cynicism and absurdity for absurdity’s sake.
Many of the supporting characters lack the depth they need to truly flesh out the world, and so become one-off jokes that have little place in this particular story. However, the film’s internal logic remains consistent, and the lead characters, Claire and Paul, add a unique comedic style that gives their story direction and purpose. Seven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss is a unique thought experiment and a disturbingly hilarious film that explores the modern-day cult’s role in society, but one that occasionally misses the mark in terms of its tone and the development of its themes.
