"The Future" - A Perspective on Repression

In 2011 Miranda July wrote, directed and starred in the film The Future. It is a story of a couple in their mid-thirties who are expecting to adopt an recovering cat, Paw Paw, in a month. This investment has them question their perspectives on life and how near the end of their lives seems to be. In an attempt to hold on to time they vow to abandon the internet, quit their jobs, and come to an understanding of what they want out of life. Unfortunately this changes the course of their lives and deteriorates their relationship; Sophie (Miranda July) through an entangled fate cheats on her boyfriend, Jason (Hamish Linklater). Once aware of he must face reality and her betrayal, Jason freezes time. Weeks go by and he is holding on to that frozen moment, but life has continued without his full presence. Sophie has moved out and they were a day to late to pick of Paw Paw so she was put down. This movie reminds me of Freud's theories on repression. Jason acts out an unconscious attempt to repress a traumatic event. The unconscious is as a timeless space responsible for troubles that are too ugly to face consciously however death is eminent and life continues to happen. Freud, unlike Charcot and Janet, believes we must come to grips with death and trauma and reduce our suffering by doing so; find treatment in understanding that life can be unsatisfying if not approached correctly.

I realize I have given a depressing summary of the movie but it really is a thought provoking film. I have included below a trailer: