Cat Person - A Sundance Review

Always be careful of you are dating.

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023, Cat Person is based on the short story written by Kristen Roupenian. Margot, a 20-year-old college sophomore has a brief relationship with an older man. The connection is not what either thought it would be.

Cat Person was an intense film to sit through. Viewers at Sundance can agree with that, taking a breath once the film concluded. Reflecting on a cultural conversation, Cat Person discusses a topic that has circulated between women in the dating world.

This is a very different role for Emelia Jones based on other forms of media I’ve seen her in. It was a challenging role as Jones remarked. At that age when she is old enough to make her own decisions, Margot learns how decisions haunt you the hard way.

Let Margot’s decisions be a lesson to some viewers. Margot is an unlikeable character. She let the situation get out of control and she ignored others' opinions. Jones was challenged in the film. She did a remarkable job in a tense scene where she has a conversation with herself.

Nicholas Braun had a complex role. What kind of person is Robert? That is the question. His personality often changes, being friendly and thoughtful until he’s viciously yelling at Margot and stalking her. Since the film is from Margot’s perspective, I kept an eye on Robert’s every move.

Jones and Braun underwent heavy emotional sequences. Their roles were both very new to the actors. An intimacy coach was onset at all times to give the actors advice. For a relationship like this, it’s important to have trust. Between takes, the pair laughed about previous takes to change the mood.

The more films I’ve watched lately have reflected co-workers or roommates in a positive light. Taylor (Geraldine Viswanathan) was my favorite character. She was the hero of the story. Although Margot ignored her advice, Taylor never left her side.

Susannah Fogel documented the relatable world of dating and all its messiness. Cat Person epitomizes internal fears and situations we can relate to. We all have a dating story, good or bad. Everyone can see themselves in this story.

Camera angles and cinematography had an enormous effect on the mood. Camera angles dictated uncertainty whenever Margot was around Robert. The story tricked me a few times whenever we were in Margot’s head viewing possible scenarios. We always play out the worst possible scenario in any given situation.

Audio also plays a big part. The latter half of the film is eerie. Every noise makes you jump. Phones aren’t always the lifesavers you think they are. Be careful about who you are texting. Texting can be the scariest thing. You never know what someone will say back.

Cat Person touches on unsettling relationship topics. The sex scene between Margot and Robert was dealt with the best of attention. If the scene didn’t have Margot talking to another version of herself I don’t think I would have watched the scene.

People have had divided opinions about the film. Fogel wants people to talk about dating and explore consent. I agree that we need to be sure of what we want before getting into trouble.

Cat Person has a strong beginning, but the ending concludes awkwardly. The overall message is that young adults need to be careful with relationships. Does Margot learn?

Watch Cat Person with caution. The themes presented in the film may be triggering to some viewers. Go check it out once it is streaming.