failure and defeat

His films like 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar' explore psychological defeat and the helplessness of characters against overwhelming forces beyond their control.

Works such as 'The Eternals' and 'Nomadland' examine personal defeat, economic collapse, and the quiet resilience required to face systemic failure.

His minimalist narratives in 'Son of Saul' and 'Sunset' confront viewers with the complete defeat of individual agency in the face of historical atrocity and societal collapse.