Last Night in Soho
This movie popped up from my queue suddenly. Surprises are often fun and this film is no exception. The IMDb calls it drama, horror, and mystery, but I think it’s one of those movies that defy description.
Eloise may seem like just a fanciful young woman who dances down her hallway to oldies music and says hello to her dead mother in the mirror, but there is more. She intends to be THE next big fashion designer. She has dreams, plans, actual talent, and a scholarship to a fashion college in London. Her grandmother supports her dreams, but is afraid of the dangers of the big city. Off she goes and is immediately introduced to those dangers in the form of a creepy cabbie and a dorm full of very mean girls.
After the rather straightforward beginning story of a young woman maybe in over her head, the film takes a sudden turn into an increasingly horrific and noirish movie that bends characters and stories and time itself. In other words, it got better and better. Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead) wrote and directed, and crafted some super nifty camera choreography that used practical methods to create some of the most fantastical elements. Thomasin McKenzie (Old, Jojo Rabbit) is Eloise, who might be young and rural but is wonderfully tougher than she appears at first. Anya Taylor-Joy (The Northman) is Sandie, who utterly captures the look of the 1960s. Matt Smith (Dr. Who, House of the Dragon) is the super creepy Jack, and Dame Diana Rigg (The Avengers, Theatre of Blood, Games of Thrones) is the building owner, in her last role ever. Yes of course she’s awesome.
One of the best things about this film so far as I’m concerned is how unpredictable it is. About the time you think you’ve got it pegged, it veers into another genre altogether. I couldn’t see where the story was going, and I really liked that.
I didn’t take a lot of notes while watching the film, because it was so convoluted and gripping, and just plain different, that I sat there letting it just wash over me. There is a lot of awesome mirror work, on the filmmaking side, and a plot that may seem like it’s going in a certain direction but surprises in the nicest way by the end.
Sorry for the really short review, but I highly recommend this movie if you’re looking for something really different. It’s colorful and stylish with great acting, awesome soundtrack, wonderful writing and direction. If you’re like me you will be continually surprised at the directions the movie curves into. Surprise is great, especially if you’ve seen a few too many films, like me.
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Hmmm. Mhuh. Huh.
Ok, Mildred liked it so I might watch it. I do like the actors. My first initial reaction is so always panic when I think about getting trapped in the past. Yikes! Might have to give this a try though. I’m pretty sure my hubby would love it.
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