Summary
The use of vow boxes in The Afterparty season 2 is a fictional addition created for storytelling and comedic effect, rather than being a genuine wedding tradition.These vow boxes serve to infuse the plot with an aura of intrigue and humor, while also emphasizing Edgar's shy and apprehensive nature when it comes to speaking in public.
The weight of Aniq's vow box represents his struggles and insecurities, which are in stark contrast to Sebastian's effortless charm when it comes to winning over Zoe and Grace's parents.
Please note: Contains spoilers for season 2 of The Afterparty. The Afterparty season 2 not only revolves around a murder mystery, but also leaves viewers questioning the existence of vow boxes. Introduced in the first episode, titled "Aniq 2: The Sequel," these coffin-like boxes play a significant role in Grace and Edgar's wedding. In season 1, Aniq (portrayed by Sam Richardson) assisted Detective Danner (played by Tiffany Haddish) in solving a murder that occurred during a high school reunion, all while pursuing his long-standing crush on Zoe (played by Zoë Chao). Similar to the previous season, The Afterparty season 2 is filled with multiple mysteries, with the peculiar vow boxes being amongst the most puzzling elements.
Vow Boxes Aren't A Real Wedding Tradition
: The second season of The Afterparty incorporates various genres, such as Wes Anderson parodies and film noir homages, resulting in a unique blend that allows each of the show's unreliable narrators to add their own stylistic twists to their retellings of events to Aniq and Danner. In the first episode, Aniq assumes the role of the narrator and portrays the wedding weekend as a romantic comedy sequel. However, aside from the perplexing alleged murder of groom Edgar Minnows (Zach Woods), the use of a vow box during the ceremony also raises some intriguing questions.Aniq accompanies Zoe to her sister Grace's (Poppy Liu) wedding in season 2 of The Afterparty. The wedding is for Grace and Edgar Minnows, a tech genius who is both awkward and extremely wealthy. Aniq provides a unique perspective through a romantic comedy lens as the viewers witness the events of the wedding weekend. During the actual wedding ceremony, Edgar assigns Aniq the task of bringing the "vow box," a coffin-like container that envelops the bride and groom, giving them the opportunity to exchange their vows in private at the altar.
The characters at The Afterparty jokingly mention that vow boxes are currently popular among Silicon Valley individuals, a notion so absurd that it could potentially be true. However, it should be noted that vow boxes do not actually exist as a legitimate wedding tradition, not even among the most unconventional soon-to-be spouses. Therefore, the inclusion of The Afterparty's peculiar Macguffin is purely fictional, serving the purpose of enhancing the narrative and comedic elements, as opposed to drawing from existing customs.
Why Edgar Needs A Vow Box In The Afterparty (& Why It's So Heavy!)
Although fictional, Grace and Edgar's vow box introduces an intriguing blend of mystery and humor to the situation, while also offering further insight into Edgar's character as an introverted individual uncomfortable with public speaking. Balancing the box on their shoulders, Grace and Edgar exchange their vows away from the prying eyes of the wedding guests. Aniq mentions that the box is remarkably heavy, making it difficult for him to lift and position it above Grace and Edgar. Interestingly, later on, the best man, Sebastian (played by Jack Whitehall), effortlessly handles the box without any trouble.
Viewers experience The Afterparty through Aniq's perspective, as he stumbles through the romantic comedy narrative, desperately trying to gain the approval of Zoe's parents. However, his every move seems to backfire, from causing damage to Feng's food truck to accidentally spilling fermented camel milk on Vivian. Meanwhile, the effortlessly charming Sebastian effortlessly wins over Zoe and Grace's parents, highlighting Aniq's missteps and insecurities. The weight of the vow box in Aniq's memory symbolizes his ongoing struggle and his unease regarding Sebastian. New episodes of The Afterparty's 10-episode second season will be released on Apple TV Plus every Wednesday until September 6, 2023.