Through the Lens of Despair: Sadie Sink’s ‘John Proctor is the Villain’ Questions Morality
Another day, another cinematic exploration of humanity’s failings, and of course, here we are with “John Proctor is the Villain,” a MeToo drama that drags on longer than a dreary Monday morning. Starring Sadie Sink, known for her breakout role in “Stranger Things,” this film attempts to unravel the complexities of moral ambiguity in the wake of societal upheaval. Naturally, it’s not just a straightforward tale of good versus evil; instead, it’s a tedious exercise in watching flawed characters navigate a murky landscape that feels all too familiar at this point.
The film, while ambitious in its intent to tackle the fallout of the MeToo movement, is a reminder that even our most likable protagonists can harbor unsavory truths. Proctor, as portrayed here, becomes the embodiment of the disillusionment that plagues us all. As audiences settle in, they’re met with a plodding narrative that feels more like a drawn-out lecture than an engaging story. One can’t help but wonder if the filmmakers were trying to illustrate something profound or simply filling time with endless dialogues that circle back on themselves.
Director and writer, who shall remain nameless to spare them further scrutiny, seems to aim for depth but instead delivers a muddled message that feels like an apology wrapped in a critique. The film could have been a poignant commentary on consent, power dynamics, and the consequences of our actions. Instead, it often feels like a tedious retread of every other “let’s grapple with our demons” film we’ve seen in recent years, complete with the obligatory tragic backstories and self-reflective monologues that leave you rolling your eyes.
Sink’s performance, while commendable, can’t save the film from its own shortcomings. She’s earnest in her portrayal, but even her talent can’t elevate the script’s repetitive beats. It’s a classic case of “great actor, forgettable material,” making you question whether you should applaud her bravery for taking on such a role or pity her for being trapped in this cinematic purgatory.
As viewers shuffle through yet another lengthy runtime, they’re left with a sinking feeling—not just from the weight of the narrative but from the overwhelming predictability of it all. The film’s attempt to unpack complex social themes is overshadowed by a lack of originality, leaving audiences wondering if they’ve stumbled into a two-hour long therapy session rather than a cathartic cinematic experience.
So here we are, once again questioning our taste in films and the state of storytelling. Will “John Proctor is the Villain” spark meaningful conversations, or will it simply fade into the background noise of our increasingly chaotic world? Only time will tell, but let’s be honest—it probably won’t be the last time we’re subjected to this cycle of disillusionment wrapped in a shiny bow of moral lessons.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, IMDb, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
