Last Night in Soho
RATING
Introduction
There has been an advent of multi-genre films recently. For those of you who are unaware of this terminology, multi-genre films are those that do not stick to one genre only throughout its duration. On the contrary, they touch upon multiple genres during its narration to give a viewer a burst of flavours of the story. One such film that I finished watching last night is the English film Last Night In Soho that promised to touch upon genres like Drama, Horror, Thrill and Mystery all packaged in a single story. There are times when the filmmakers falter trying to add a whole lot of elements to the final draft. Well having said that does Last Night in Soho manage to impress, stay tuned.
Story & Screenplay
Last Night in Soho follows the story of an aspiring fashion designer who mysteriously is able to enter the 1960s and witness a dazzling singer. But soon things start getting murkier by the minute. The story is something really different from what I have yet witnessed. It is giddy with an element of mystery and horror attached to it. The screenplay is quite interesting for most parts. It starts off on a psycological note that soon transpires into a gritty drama. But after the first 20 odd minutes, the fun begins as the drama oscillates between the present and the 1960s. What makes matters even more interesting is that this soon transforms into a murder mystery. And where is the horror you may ask? It is all about the lighting that creates a mysterious atmosphere where you could slice the tension with a knife. On the downside, the transitions could have been a little more clearer, perhaps using a different colour pallet for the current and the past(which was done sparingly so). Also if I look back, there were a few loopholes along the way. But the twist at the end was a good one(even though the final act seemed a bit underwhelming) and it does shock you. Overall, a giddy screenplay that will keep you invested through its twists and turns.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are pretty well penned and they definitely leave an impact. This is a part musical too and the music here is jazzy that epitomizes the era of the 1960s. The BGM is scintillating and outstanding to witness. The production design and the lightening that is used is excellent here. Director Edgar Wright who has films like Baby Driver and Shaun Of The Dead to his credit is in great form here. This was an ambitious attempt and he ticked most of the boxes here. He maintains a grip on the narrative and delivers a giddy murder mystery.
Performances
The performances are excellent here. Matt Smith as Jack is pretty good, so is Michael Ajao as John. This turns out to be the last film of Diana Rigg who expired last year. As Ms Collins she is excellent. Anya Taylor-Joy as Sandie has her fair share of moments to shine. But it is Thomasin Mckenzie as Eloise who is stunningly brilliant. I have really enjoyed her performance where she throws in subtle gestures in what is a very nuanced performance. She has this extreme role of behaving at one end of the spectrum in one scene and at the other end in another. She delivers a performance that will stay with you and haunt you long after the film has ended.
Conclusion
Last Night In Soho is an interesting and a giddy murder mystery that will keep you invested throughout.