Mormons self-identifying as "a peculiar people" is such a deep part of Mormon identity, and I love seeing that element of Mormonism represented on screen. Plus, it sets up the themes of belief/doubt in the face of adversity that will be explored in the rest of the film - ThreadSky

pitchpipeman7.bsky.social • 90 days ago

Mormons self-identifying as "a peculiar people" is such a deep part of Mormon identity, and I love seeing that element of Mormonism represented on screen. Plus, it sets up the themes of belief/doubt in the face of adversity that will be explored in the rest of the film

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pitchpipeman7.bsky.social•90 days ago

Fourth, the scene acts as foreshadowing. What the teenagers do to the missionaries, violating their autonomy and humiliating them for their own amusement, is not that different from what Mr. Reed attempts to do once he has them as prisoners

pitchpipeman7.bsky.social•90 days ago

Fifth, the moment acts as a traumatic incident that they can reference later when they're in peril. Looking for a code phrase that she can give Sister Paxton as a cue to stab Mr. Reed, Sister Barnes lands on "magic underwear" because of the teenagers asking them if it was true they wear it.

pitchpipeman7.bsky.social•90 days ago

Mormons don't say "magic underwear", they say temple garments, so they're not likely to use the phrase by accident, making it an excellent code phrase that won't be said accidentally. And they only have seconds to come up with one, so it makes sense they would pick the first thing that comes to mind

pitchpipeman7.bsky.social•90 days ago

Sixth, Mr. Reed uses Sister Paxton's "magic underwear" as an example of how the Church has controlled every decision she has ever made, down to the clothes she wears. He draws a direct parallel between himself and the church, relishing in his hypocrisy

pitchpipeman7.bsky.social•90 days ago

He does this to try and assert dominance and control, mocking her by showing that he's predicted every move she's made that night...until she stabs him in the neck after he says the phrase. So ultimately, the garments he mocks her for wearing end up being instrumental in saving her from his control

pitchpipeman7.bsky.social•90 days ago

I wrote way more about that scene than I originally planned, but honestly I really admire how much that one scene sets up so many different elements of the film: themes, character relationships, audience empathy, cultural details, foreshadowing...well done.

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