This Review is brought to you by Kathy Kaiser
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Edgar Wright
WRITER: Krysty Wilson-Cairns
STARRING: Anya Joy-Taylor, Thomasin McKenzie, Matt Smith, Michael Ajao, Diana Rigg, Aimee Cassettari and Synnove Karlsen
If horror films are you genre of choice, and you’ve been dying (no pun intended) to see something that’s going to make your Halloween weekend a memorable one, then venture with me into the life of young wanna be fashion designer Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie), as she is leaves the comforts of her grandmother’s country estate, and guidance, to venture to London as she lives out her dreams at the London school of Fashion design.
Taking on a snobby new roommate and learning about the fashion world is a little daunting for Eloise, but as luck would have it, she meets fellow designer John (Michael Ajao) just in the nick of time, as her life is beginning to spin out of control. Sick of her annoying and condescending roommate Jocasta (Synnove Karlsen), Eloise seeks out another place to lay to her weary head, when she comes across a room to rent from sweet old Ms. Collins (Diana Rigg).
With her apartment secured, and her dreams of designing literally at her fingertips, Eloise starts having illusions about a life in the 60’s, as she channels the beautiful and talented Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy), and her carefree life with boyfriend Jack (Matt Smith). Loosing lots of sleep from her escapades at night, Eloise seems to be losing control of her life, as the madness of her double life all but consumes her.
And when Eloise crosses paths with a creepy old stalker (Terence Stamp), who seems to be at her every turn, she must turn to her friend John again to help her figure out, what is really going on?
As Eloise continues to have dreams of a life long ago, she finally realizes that the place she is occupying at Ms. Collins home, may not be exactly what the Dr ordered to ease her anxiety, as her world continues to spin upside down, with no end in sight. Trapped in a maze of confusion, Eloise is desperate to find answers to what is happening with her mind, leaving her no other choice but to confront all the demons within…
Talk about a psychological thriller that packs a punch and then some LAST NIGHT IN SOHO is by far, the best Horror/Psychological thriller this year! Writer/Director Edgar Wright has managed to go from action drama to psychological masterpiece with the greatest of ease, as unless you know he’s the man behind 2017’s BABY DRIVER, you would never guess the same man created LAST NIGHT IN SOHO, as it goes 180 degrees in a totally different direction. And if you’ve been along for the ride the last 7 years of reading my reviews, you know too that Horror films are never “my deal” but hear me now as I say that this film my friends, is one blast to behold, even while its slasher flick moments unfurl, because it’s so much more than just a run of the mill horror film! LAST NIGHT IN SOHO literally strives to reach the pinnacle of psychological masterpieces, with its dark and seedy feel, its unconventional storyline, its cinematic oddities and it’s perfect castings throughout too. Full of so many twists and turns that you don’t even see coming, LAST NIGHT IN SOHO also manages to keep you on your toes while you become engrossed in the tortured life of Eloise, which is played to perfection by newcomer Thomasin McKenzie! Anya Taylor-Joy is breathtakingly beautiful and poised, as she brings both a depth and a dimension to this film, that cannot be denied. Boyfriend/Pimpster, played by the talented Matt Smith, adds to this very sinister, and very slashingly good film as well. From its fabulous performances to its creepy demeanor, LAST NIGHT IN SOHO is one of those rare horror films that will totally boggle your mind, as you try to figure out, what’s the real story?? So, if you are looking for the perfect Halloween treat that won’t add an inch to your waistline, then head out to a theater near you this weekend to catch LAST NIGHT IN SOHO. It is one of those perfectly crafted films that will keep you guessing and guessing, till the bitter end
9/10
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 