Acclaimed Baby Driver director Edgar Wright fires out another hit with this breathtakingly satisfying – if uneven – psychological thriller.
As a fan of Wright – the Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead and co) alone is a great example of how versatile the filmmaker is – and his unpredictable filmmaking choices, I genuinely had no idea what I was walking into after not seeing a single trailer for the movie, which is extremely rare nowadays.
Wright has once again given us something unique, this time in the form of a horror that both romanticises and criticises its swinging ‘60s London backdrop, of which, half of this movie is set.
In the present day, a young and aspiring fashion designer named Ellie (Jojo Rabbit’s Thomasin McKenzie) is obsessed with sixties culture. Soon after heading to the Soho-based fashion school of her dreams, she begins to dream about being in the iconic period herself, observing a talented and glamorous nightclub singer named Sandie (The Queen’s Gambit starlet Anya Taylor-Joy).
In the first dream, we’re introduced to a slick young operator named Jack (Doctor Who’s Matt Smith). When a love bite – or ‘hickey’ if you’d prefer – from Jack passes from Ellie’s dream state to the real world, it becomes clear that this encounter was more than just a fantasy.
Last Night in Soho is a visual treat and not just because of its bright and colourful setting. I was in awe of the ways that Wright seamlessly switched between Ellie and Sandie. Having their faces flash back and forth between them in the course of a single shot dance sequence was particularly impressive. And the fantastic soundtrack here really helps set the tone.
My biggest criticism came in the third act. Throughout the movie, it criticises misogyny (rightfully so) and highlights the power imbalance of sexism. It’s a powerful and important message that is almost ruined by the big-reveal twist which – in my opinion – blurred the lines.
I may not have agreed with certain filmmaking decisions from the talented Wright, but upon reflection – despite the potentially divisive ending – Last Night in Soho was still truly spectacular.
ESP Rating: 4/5
Mikey Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Thomasin Mckenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Diana Rigg, Sam Claflin & Terence Stamp
Running Time: 1 Hr 56 Mins
Director: Edgar Wright
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