Few short films have managed to shake audiences to their core quite like The Strange Thing About the Johnsons.
Released in 2011 as Ari Aster’s AFI thesis film, this psychological horror-drama took the concept of family dysfunction and cranked it up to an unspeakable level.
More than a decade later, it remains one of the most disturbing short films ever made, with discussions around its themes still igniting debates online.
But what exactly makes this film so unnerving? Is it the rawness of its execution, the role reversal in its narrative, or the way it forces audiences to confront societal taboos?
Let’s unpack the film’s story, themes, and its lasting impact on film culture.
What Is The Strange Thing About the Johnsons About?
Ari Aster’s 29-minute film follows Sidney Johnson, a beloved poet and patriarch of an outwardly picture-perfect suburban family.
His wife Joan plays the role of the devoted homemaker, while their son Isaiah is a charismatic young man with a seemingly bright future.
But behind the family’s pristine façade lies an unthinkable horror: Isaiah has been sexually abusing his father since childhood.
When Sidney decides to write a memoir detailing the abuse, the film unravels into a tense, psychologically distressing examination of power dynamics, gaslighting, and silent complicity.
Joan, fully aware of the abuse, chooses denial over confrontation, while Isaiah continues to exert control over his father.
The story builds toward a violent climax, leaving the audience in a state of moral and emotional whiplash.
Why Did Ari Aster Make This Film?
Aster, now known for Hereditary and Midsommar, conceived The Strange Thing About the Johnsons while discussing taboos with fellow AFI students, including actor Brandon Greenhouse (who plays Isaiah).
The film was intended to be the most extreme, unthinkable scenario possible—a subversion of the typical abuse narrative by reversing traditional roles.
In interviews, Aster admitted he deliberately pushed boundaries, questioning why certain themes remain untouched in film while others are commonplace.
The movie’s shock value was part of its DNA from the beginning, designed to provoke discomfort and force audiences to reevaluate their perceptions of abuse.
The Uncomfortable Role Reversal
The most controversial aspect of The Strange Thing About the Johnsons is its reversal of traditional abuse dynamics.
In most media portrayals, the abuser is typically an older figure exerting control over a younger victim.
By reversing the script and making the son the aggressor, Aster forces audiences to sit with their discomfort.
The film challenges viewers to consider why some forms of abuse are more readily acknowledged than others.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit often circle back to this point, with some arguing the film exposes how deeply normalised certain types of abuse have become.
A Satire of Suburban Facades?
Beyond its shock factor, The Strange Thing About the Johnsons also functions as a twisted satire of the idyllic American family.
The Johnsons’ house is a perfectly curated suburban dream, with manicured lawns and smiling portraits lining the walls. But this pristine surface conceals something monstrous.
Critics have compared Aster’s approach to filmmakers like Todd Solondz (Happiness) and Tim Burton—who use exaggeratedly “normal” settings to highlight the rot underneath.
The contrast between the family’s external image and their internal horror makes the film even more disturbing.
Why Did The Strange Thing About the Johnsons Go Viral?
Despite premiering at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2011, the film didn’t gain widespread attention until it leaked online later that year. From there, it exploded across YouTube, Reddit, and horror forums.
Viewers were stunned by its audacity, with reactions ranging from praise for its boldness to outright disgust.
Some felt it was a powerful metaphor for abuse and complicity, while others saw it as gratuitous shock cinema. Either way, it became impossible to ignore.
For more details on the cast, crew, and trivia, visit the film’s official IMDb page.
Is The Strange Thing About the Johnsons Exploitative?
One of the biggest criticisms leveled at the film is its depiction of an African-American family in such a traumatic story, particularly since Aster, a white filmmaker, wrote and directed it.
Some argue that choosing a Black cast for a film about an incestuous and abusive household was irresponsible, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Aster defended the choice, stating that the family’s race was not meant to be a factor in the narrative.
Still, the controversy lingers, with some seeing it as a misstep while others argue that stories of abuse should not be limited by race.
Legacy and Impact
While The Strange Thing About the Johnsons is often overshadowed by Aster’s later works, it remains an unforgettable entry in his filmography.
It showcased his ability to craft suffocating tension and psychological horror, elements that would later define Hereditary.
The film also remains a hot topic in online horror communities, proving that even short films can leave an indelible mark on audiences.
Whether viewed as a disturbing masterpiece or an exercise in excess, one thing is certain—it’s not a film you easily forget.
Final Thoughts
Love it or loathe it, The Strange Thing About the Johnsons remains one of the most unsettling short films of the 21st century.
It’s a horror film in the truest sense—not because of supernatural entities or cheap jump scares, but because it forces viewers to confront a nightmarish reality.
For some, it’s a gut-wrenching meditation on abuse and silence. For others, it’s an exploitative provocation with no deeper meaning.
Either way, it demands a reaction—and maybe that was the point all along.
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