Karim Aïnouz's latest film, "Rosebush Pruning," premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and presents a striking exploration of a dysfunctional American family residing in Catalonia. The film centers on four siblings and their blind, authoritarian father, who have isolated themselves and engage in superficial exchanges, measuring their worth through luxury items rather than personal relationships. This setup sets the stage for a poignant critique of patriarchal values, as the family's emotional void is starkly portrayed alongside their reliance on materialism.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Jack, the eldest brother who has been the family's linchpin since their mother's death, begins to date someone, indicating his desire to break free from the family's suffocating dynamics. This decision triggers a series of events that unveil hidden desires, secrets, and the psychological complexities of each family member, particularly as their relationships evolve amid the backdrop of their shared history and isolation. The film’s dialogues further amplify the intricate emotional landscape as they navigate their identities within a male-dominated household.

Aïnouz’s film presents not only a critical examination of family and masculinity but also poses questions about autonomy and the influence of societal expectations on personal choices. By utilizing the backdrop of Catalonia, Aïnouz contrasts the allure of freedom against the chains of familial obligation, prompting the audience to reflect on the implications of patriarchal structures both in personal and broader social contexts.