The Real Meaning Of Denis Villeneuve's Next Floor Short Film Explained

The Darkly Comedic and Disturbing World of Next Floor

Denis Villeneuve's short film Next Floor is a twelve-minute journey into the surreal and grotesque. Long before his blockbuster success with films like Dune, Villeneuve delved into the world of stranger projects, including the darkly comedic and disturbing Next Floor. The film revolves around a group of wealthy-looking individuals seated at a table, indulging in a never-ending feast served by a vigilant waitstaff. As they consume mountains of food, the table repeatedly breaks through to the room below, perpetuating the grotesque cycle. Villeneuve's camera work in Next Floor is stunning, capturing the revolting beauty of the banquet with meticulous detail.

The maitre d in Next Floor looking apathetic.

The film's visual narrative is filled with disturbing imagery, from oyster shells containing glistening brain-like substances to whole braised animals and a complete gazelle with serving forks protruding from its open back. Villeneuve's ability to find beauty in the grotesque is evident, but what truly captivates attention is his unflinching focus on the appalling. The near-wordless nature of the short allows for multiple interpretations of Villeneuve's vision, inviting audiences to explore the depths of a truly horrific banquet.

A grouop of wealthy looking individual gathered at a table eating a large amount of disgusting looking meat in Next Floor.

The Characters and Their Punishment

One prevailing theory regarding Next Floor is that the diners are being punished for their gluttony. The visual motif of the diners descending through an impossible number of floors implies a hellish ordeal, leading to interpretations of the diners being deceased and the waitstaff serving as demons. The diners' behavior, dressed in opulence yet hesitant to consume the raw and bloody offerings, suggests a torment that escalates as they fall deeper into 'hell.' Their eventual voracious consumption reflects a surrender to their punishment, serving as a grim warning of the consequences of overindulgence.

The Ma\u00eetre D's long, unsettling gaze into the camera at the close of the short further intensifies the foreboding atmosphere, almost serving as a warning to the audience about the perils of overconsumption and its eventual toll.

A Commentary on Human Consumerism

While gluttony is a prevalent theme in Next Floor, the film delves deeper into the dangers of human overconsumption in general. The exotic and unusual animals brought to the table symbolize the destructive nature of overconsumption, particularly by the wealthy individuals depicted. Villeneuve presents a grim portrayal of humanity, depicting the uncertainty and eventual surrender of the diners as they are confronted with the consequences of their overindulgence. The film serves as a stark commentary on the destructive impact of human consumerism, not only on the natural environment but also on humanity itself.

Villeneuve's unapologetic portrayal extends to the waitstaff, who, despite not consuming the food, are complicit in perpetuating the cycle of overindulgence. This serves as a reminder that even those who do not actively participate in destructive behaviors may still benefit from them, highlighting the pervasive impact of overconsumption on society at large.