What Is The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button About

Okay, let's talk about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. We've all seen it, right? Or at least pretended to at that one fancy book club meeting.

The basic gist? A baby is born old. Super old. Like, "needs-adult-diapers-and-a-rocking-chair" old.

Then, he starts aging backward. He gets younger and younger.

So, What's the Big Deal?

Well, everyone fawns over the romance, the visuals, and the profound message about time. I see all of that, but still, I think this movie has a darker side than what people make it out to be.

Maybe it's just me, but I have an unpopular opinion. This movie is kinda...creepy.

Hear me out! It's not that I don't appreciate the artistry. It’s actually the idea of having to live an entire life backwards. I wouldn't want that to happen.

The Romance Angle: Weird or Wonderful?

Benjamin, played by Brad Pitt, falls in love with Daisy, played by Cate Blanchett. Seems romantic, right?

They meet at different stages of their lives. This means their ages are sometimes wildly different.

Isn't that a little…uncomfortable? Like, there's a point where he looks like her son. And another point where he looks like her grandpa. Awkward.

I am not hating on the love part, but it's very difficult for me to not cringe at the part where he looks like her kid.

The "Profound Message"

People say it’s about accepting the passage of time. That's a nice sentiment.

But let's be real, it's also about a guy who gets to cheat the system! He avoids the worst parts of aging (allegedly).

I will say I am jealous about that part, growing younger? Sign me up!

Think about it: He gets to experience youth with wisdom. He gets a second shot. He can literally be a kid again, without the responsibility. Seems unfair to those of us aging in the correct order.

Unpopular Opinion Alert!

Maybe I'm just a cynic. But Benjamin Button feels less like a timeless love story. And a lot more like a slightly disturbing thought experiment.

Imagine knowing you're going to slowly devolve into an infant. It's a terrifying prospect for me.

The idea that you’re born knowing less and less, and will have to go through a childhood of that knowledge leaving is a wild experience.

Also, who changes his diapers when he's a baby again? Daisy? That is a lot to ask.

So, Is It Worth Watching?

Absolutely! The movie is visually stunning. The acting is great. The costumes are magnificent!

But go in with your eyes open. Don’t get swept away by the romanticism.

Consider the inherent weirdness of the whole situation. Ask yourself if you'd really want to live life backwards.

I know my answer: hard pass.

I would still watch it though, I mean, how could I not.

Even if Benjamin Button is a bit unsettling. It's definitely thought-provoking. And maybe, just maybe, it makes you appreciate your own (linear) journey through life. Flaws and all.