Culture Shock (2019)

July 4, 2024

Ah, the Fourth of July - an all-American holiday bursting with fireworks, BBQs, and patriotic fervor. However, some of us are rather disillusioned with the American Dream, a sentiment Hulu’s Into the Dark installment, Culture Shock, masterfully explores. The film follows Marisol's journey as a young Mexican woman desperate to cross the border into the United States. What starts as a desperate quest for a better life quickly devolves into a surreal nightmare. The American Dream, it turns out, is not all stars and stripes. Instead, it's a meticulously crafted facade hiding sinister secrets.

As soon as Marisol sets foot on U.S. soil, the film takes a sharp turn into psychological horror. Every twist and turn reveals the dark underbelly of immigration and assimilation within what seems to be a perfect society. The film fearlessly addresses heavy issues such as the exploitation of immigrants and the myth of the American Dream. The director cleverly uses the horror genre to emphasize the psychological toll of the immigration process. Set in a seemingly perfect American suburb, the contrast highlights Marisol's actual experience, serving as a powerful critique of how society treats those seeking refuge within its borders.

As we celebrate Independence Day, Culture Shock serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and harsh realities behind the pursuit of the American Dream. So, as you fire up the grill and prepare for the fireworks, consider adding this chilling tale to your Fourth of July festivities. It’s a haunting exploration of cultural identity, resilience, and the actual cost of freedom.

Available on: Hulu, Disney+ (with hulu plan)

Holiday rating: 9 fireworks