Metamodernism in Cinema

 

Metamodernism in Cinema: Between Irony and Sincerity

Introduction

Metamodernism, a term coined by Timotheus Vermeulen and Robin van den Akker (2010), describes the oscillation between modernist sincerity and postmodern irony. In cinema, it represents a return to emotional authenticity, hope, and empathy — without abandoning irony or reflexivity.

Core Concepts

• Metamodern cinema embraces both emotion and self-awareness.

• It acknowledges fragmentation but seeks meaning in chaos.

• The tone is often earnest, nostalgic, and humorous at once.

Key Points

• Emotional Realism: Characters display vulnerability and self-doubt rather than cynicism.

• Aesthetic Balance: Combines stylistic experimentation with humanistic storytelling.

• Optimistic Irony: Films believe in feeling deeply while knowing the world is absurd.

Examples

• The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) — blends tragedy and whimsy within stylized irony.

• Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) — uses absurdity to rediscover emotional truth.

• Her (2013) — questions technology and loneliness with sincere tenderness and irony.