Film review: Last Night in Soho (2021)
Edgar Wright, who is known for his comedic Three Flavours Cornetto film trilogy consisting of “Shaun of the Dead” (2004), “Hot Fuzz” (2007), and “The World's End” (2013), has ventured into new territory with his horror/mystery film “Last Night in Soho” (2021). This genre shift was a seamless transition for Wright, given the film's solid plot, talented cast, and impressive production. The film features familiar faces such as Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Sam Claflin, and Diana Rigg.
“Last Night in Soho” follows Eloise “Ellie” Turner, a country girl passionate about vintage fashion who has moved to London to pursue her dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Ellie is clearly an outsider who doesn't fit in with her classmates due to her handmade clothes. As a result, Ellie moves out of the school's dormitory and into a bedsit owned by the elderly Ms. Collins. Ellie begins to experience vivid dreams. She is transported back to the 1960s, where she watches a young blonde girl called Sandie; however, when awake, she experiences terrifying visions and is haunted by Sandie’s past. The film's story is fantastic, and the major plot twist at the end makes the film an absolute standout. It does not fail to meet the needs of horror/mystery fans.
New Zealand actress Thomasin Mckenzie portrays the protagonist, Ellie. She may not be a big name yet in Hollywood; however, she did not fail in playing the 1960s-obsessed country girl who has to face the terrors of London’s past. Edgar Wright made a smart decision and cast the popular Anna Taylor-Joy as the mysterious Sandie. She is a captivating actress with a unique look, making many want to watch her in everything she does. She easily nails every role and undoubtedly did an excellent job as Sandie, who must hustle through London to hopefully make it as a singer. Matt Smith plays the antagonist and doesn’t fail at portraying the manipulative Mod manager, Jack. Sam Claflin only plays a minor role as a detective who has been keeping a close eye on Sandie. He only adds another star name to the cast list. Diana Riggs plays the elderly owner of the bedsit; this was her final performance before passing in 2021.
“Last Night in Soho” has stunning visuals, especially when the film crosses between London in 1960 to the present day. Mirrors play an essential role throughout the movie as Wright utilises them to show Ellie as not only a spectator of Sandie’s life but as Sandie herself in her vivid dreams. In one scene, the audience sees Sandie enter a 1960s club. She walks down a flight of stairs past a wall made of mirrors. On one side of the mirror is Sandie, and on the other is Ellie. The costume design was also sensational and was another aspect of the film that made it worth watching. Odie Dicks-Mireaux captured the fashion trends of the 1960s perfectly. You can see why Ellie loved vintage fashion so much.
“Last Night in Soho” was Edgar Wright's departure from his usual comedic movies, demonstrating his versatility as an artist. By cleverly weaving together two time periods, Wright successfully creates a compelling cinematic experience. He does not fail to keep us on the edge of our seats with his plot twists and chilling scenes. The performances by Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy are particularly notable, effectively capturing the dual realities of aspiration and despair. I hope Wright continues to change things up and take on new challenges.
My Score: 5/5