Il était une fois... « The Square »

Il était une fois... The Square follows the mind behind a bold Swedish satire as it unfolds behind the scenes of Ruben Östlund's work. Rather than a conventional biography, the film peers into the director's method and temperament as he shapes a project that challenges audiences to question how art, ethics, and public behavior collide in modern life. The documentary traces conversations, experiments, and studio moments that reveal a filmmaker who treats social conditions as living material. Viewers glimpse the impulse to push boundaries, test reactions, and reflect on cinema's role in critiquing everyday power structures. No spoilers about outcomes, only the process itself. The narration maintains a calm pace, letting viewers study micro gestures and candid moments that reveal how a director negotiates risks and public expectations.

Directed by Manuelle Blanc and released in 2020, the documentary dives into Ruben Östlund's process as he develops The Square. It presents a behind the scenes look at how a provocative satirical project comes together, blending interviews, panels, and studio work.

Box office data for this documentary is not publicly disclosed, and there are no widely reported earnings to cite. Availability varies by platform and region, with some screenings at festivals and select streaming releases.

Cultural impact is subtle but present as Östlund's approach to social critique echoes beyond the screen. The film invites discussion about the responsibilities of art in public spaces and how media framing shapes our view of contemporary Swedish life.

The documentary frames a thoughtful look at how a filmmaker uses humor and tension to probe audience reactions. It centers on themes of spectacle, responsibility, and the tension between artistic ambition and social accountability, offering a clear lens into Östlund's view that cinema can spark reflection on everyday power for curious viewers.