Last Night in Soho

Starring: Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Diana Rigg, Michael Ajao, Terence Stamp, Rita Tushingham, Synnove Karlsen

Director: Edgar Wright

Young Eloise (McKenzie) has moved to London from her small countryside town to pursue her dream of being a fashion designer after being accepted at the prestigious London College of Fashion. After realizing she doesn't fit in with her snobby roommate Jacosta (Karlsen) or the other students at the dorm, she decides to rent a room off campus from Ms. Collins (Rigg). The room matches Eloise's aesthetic and transports her back to the 60's, literally. At night, Eloise finds herself inhabited by the memories of Sandie (Taylor-Joy), who wanted to take London by storm with her fantastic singing and dancing ability. While Eloise finds herself caught up in Sandie's dream for stardom, she soon discovers these memories are harboring a dangerous secret, one that revolves around her shady manager Jack (Smith).

I look forward to every new Edgar Wright film. They are always impeccably detailed in their plotting as well as editing. They are also very entertaining and funny. How does his newest fare?

This film doesn't disappoint at all. While it is still well plotted and intense, gone are his trademark editing and sense of humor. He has a much more important story to tell, one that the ads aren't letting on to for good reason, as it is best discovered as Eloise discovers it. This is definitely his most mature film.

While this isn't exactly the horror film that it is being sold as, it is none the less thrilling. It’s also a tale about the power and dangers of nostalgia as well. When the horror elements do happen to peek through, they are creepy and draw you more into the mystery being presented. It's a very interesting idea that he and co screenwriter Krysty Wilson-Cairns tackle with abandon. Kudos to the production team as well, creating a visually appealing and bright 1960's London. It's easy to see why Sandie and Eloise are so taken by the period. I personally think it's a very strong screenplay despite the predictability of the ending. Like all of Wright's work, I am sure it will be more rewarding on subsequent viewings.

If it hasn't been evident before this, Thomasin McKenzie is a star. She has the incredible ability to inhabit her characters with an infectious likability. It happens from the first frame where she is dancing around her home before leaving to attend school. Both she and Anya Taylor-Joy radiate on screen, with Taylor-Joy inhabiting Sadie with a wonder that is soon replaced by dissatisfaction of where her life has taken her. Acknowledgment is deserved for Michael Ajao as well, who plays a fellow student named John who is always there for Eloise. He brings a sense of warmth to the film that it needs to balance the thrills.

I had been waiting for this ever since it was announced and it didn't disappoint in the slightest. I can't wait to see it again.

Grade: A-