The title itself serves as a dark irony. The film examines how the traditional "virtues" of a marriage can be weaponized:
It looks like you’re referencing a combination of themes (“deadly virtues,” “love,” “honour,” “obey”) plus numbers (16, 201, “new”). deadly virtues love honour obey 16 201 new
: In Aaron’s twisted logic, love is something to be earned through absolute submission and shared secrets. The title itself serves as a dark irony
Director Ate de Jong and cinematographer Julian Stafford do a masterful job of making the audience feel the walls closing in. The film is shot in a cold, desaturated palette. The house, which should be a sanctuary of warmth, feels like a fishbowl. Director Ate de Jong and cinematographer Julian Stafford
, the wall display flashed in a soothing, arterial red.
Moreover, the emphasis on "honour" can lead to a culture of shame and silence around issues of abuse. Women may feel pressured to honour their partner's reputation and protect their family from shame, even if it means staying in a situation that is detrimental to their own well-being.