Episode 35: We Need To Talk About The Butterfly Effect

TRANSCRIPT HERE

It had to be done. After a Netflix watch party everyone voted for but nobody wanted, Steph and Michael decided they simply must make an episode talking about 2004’s absolutely ridiculous psychological thriller, The Butterfly Effect starring Ashton Kutcher. We change up the format today by breaking down the problematic tropes, themes and messages plotpoint by plotpoint, to really hit home why this is an absolutely terrible movie. It’s also quite traumatic and distressing, so be warned!!

CONTENT WARNING:, Lots of Swearing (in first 20 seconds sorry) suicide, childhood abuse and trauma, sexual assault & rape, animal cruelty, ableism,use of ableist terms, harmful portrayals of sex work, discussion of disability inspiration porn.

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REFERENCES

The Butterfly Effect (2004) - IMDb

The Butterfly Effect (Film) - TV Tropes

How Ashton Kutcher Prepared For His Role In 'The Butterfly Effect' (thethings.com)

The Butterfly Effect – Ending Explained & Film Analysis – Blimey

The Butterfly Effect's Original Ending Was Ridiculously Grim (slashfilm.com)

NOTE: This podcast is not designed to be therapeutic, prescriptive or constitute a formal diagnosis for any listener, nor the characters discussed. The host is not representative of all psychologists and opinions stated are her own personal opinion, based on her own learnings and training (and minimal lived experience). Host and co-hosts do not have the final say and can only comment based on their own perspectives, so please let us know if you dispute any of these opinions – we are keen for feedback!

Editor: Nic Fornasier, Music: Michael Watson, Artwork: Bronte Poynts