Rating 18
Length 1h56
Release 12.4.2017
Director Edgar Wright
About An aspiring fashion designer is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer. However, the glamour is not all it appears to be, and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: In cinemas now
Trailer:
The Good
- This is a dark, clever, little film that cements my thoughts of Edgar Wright being a genre film-maker. One in a similar vein to Quentin Tarantino, but less… try hard?! While most of the film being anchored in the present day, there’s still many aspects that are borrowed from films in the 1960’s.
While there are deliberate red herrings, there are some subtle ones that will have you wanting to rewatch. - One of the things I loved about the casting choices were the prominent leading stars of the 60s. Rita Tushingham tugged at my memory for most of the film. A face you know, but can’t quite place. Of course, a quick search reminded me she was in the film that I caused a heated debate about in my Film Studies seminar. The film in question was The Knack… and How to Get It. If you’ve seen The Knack, you’ll understand why she’s rather savvy casting and a foreshadowing of things to come.
- Terence Stamp gave me the urge to watch Gangster No1. While I perhaps would have preferred Malcolm McDowell in the role, I must even admit myself that would have been a little on the nose. Plus, Stamp offers uncertainty and a performance that hangs doubt on the character and his intentions. I’m not certain McDowell, as amazing as he is, could have pulled it off so well.
- Diana Rigg. Miss Emma Peel herself. While a little bittersweet knowing this was her last film, it’s a damn fine one to be going out on.
- The Doctor Who connection does not end at the casting of Matt Smith. Time travel and faceless bodies haunting our protagonist. It is beautiful how it feels like a very dark, very twisted episode of the Time Lord’s. The effects will most likely haunt me for days and that’s the thing; Dr Who was always able to pinpoint your basic nightmares and make them something to truly fear.
The Bad
- This is a personal thing, but I don’t like the method of Eloise getting to the past. I love her being there, no question, however having it the way it is really does stop a number of red herrings in their tracks.
I wish there was more of a tangible cause, even if it was as simple as she’d found a dress of Sandie’s.
The Ugly
- The ending has me so conflicted. While it has left me frustrated, it does serve a purpose. I absolutely must watch it again to find out if my feelings towards certain characters are justified.
Final Thoughts
This is no Cornetto film. It’s dark, it’s twisted and it’s a film of a director with an eye for detail. Beware though, you will want to watch it again once you’ve watched right to the end.
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