‘Tarot’ Attempts Gen Z Fears: ‘Bodies, Bodies, Bodies’ Does It Better

Generation Z often faces caricatured portrayals in the media, frequently depicted as overly “woke” and obsessed with buzzwords about diversity and mental health. This reductive view of the generation is a common trope, but some films manage to offer a more nuanced perspective. One standout example is Halina Reijn’s ‘Bodies, Bodies, Bodies’, an A24 film that uses satire to both mock and understand Gen Z, making it a sharp and insightful comedy.

In contrast, the 2024 horror film ‘Tarot’ attempts to engage with Gen Z by focusing on their fascination with tarot readings and astrology. However, despite its promising premise, ‘Tarot’  falls short of capturing the essence of the generation. 

Image Courtesy: Collider

Directed by Anna Halberg and Spenser Cohen, ‘Tarot’  tries to explore themes of fate versus free will through its supernatural plot but lacks the depth that ‘Bodies, Bodies, Bodies’ achieved. The latter’s success lies in its ability to integrate satirical elements with genuine commentary on Gen Z’s social dynamics, capturing their unique traits and anxieties.

‘Tarot’  follows a group of friends who disregard a key tarot principle, leading to a series of deaths linked to their readings. While its concept and visual flair are intriguing, the film’s characters are underdeveloped stereotypes rather than authentic representations of Gen Z. Unlike ‘Bodies, Bodies, Bodies’, which crafted its characters with a deeper understanding of the generation’s quirks and contradictions, ‘Tarot’  offers only a superficial connection to its target audience.

Image Courtesy: Collider

The contrast is evident in how each film handles its themes. ‘Bodies, Bodies, Bodies’ effectively mirrors the isolation and social media influence of the pandemic era, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that resonates with Gen Z’s experiences. On the other hand, ‘Tarot’  reliance on astrology as a connection to Gen Z feels more arbitrary, missing an opportunity to explore the generation’s complexities beyond a mere trend.

In conclusion, while ‘Tarot’  provides a visually engaging and entertaining take on its subject matter, it lacks the depth and insight that made ‘Bodies, Bodies, Bodies’ a meaningful reflection on Gen Z.

–Farheen Ali