Last Night in Soho

 

        I usually don't start my reviews like this but I have to say, I loved this film!  Writer/director Edgar Wright is truly an original voice in film today. Here he combines a murder mystery, a ghost story, and an ode to swinging sixties London into a wildly entertaining genre mash-up that you never see coming.

        Thomasin McKenzie stars as Ellie Turner, a suburban English girl accepted into a prestigious London Fashion college. The film starts off mildly and sweet but once Ellie moves off campus into a rented apartment, things take a sharp turn. She begins to have visions of a young sixties' woman named Sandie, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, that turns into more of a psychic connection putting Ellie in the middle of period London nightlife. 

        To say anymore would spoil the surprising twists in the story. Suffice to say, the music and fashion of the period is just great.  Mr. Wright knows his way around a successful soundtrack and knows how to put it to good use (see his earlier film, "Baby Driver"). His casting here is perfect. Ms. McKenzie is perfect as the innocent girl forced to grow up quickly and Ms. Taylor-Joy is the epitome of cool. Co-starring as Ellie's landlady is Lady Diana Rigg (in her last role) and she makes the most of a small but significant role. The film also co-stars Terrence Stamp, perfect casting as a connection to the British films of the sixties, Matt Smith, and Michael Ajao.

         Fair warning that what starts out innocently enough descends into horror and violence, but the fun is how Mr. Wright uses the twists and keeps the audience guessing. It's so clever with a cast that shines, backed by great visuals and wonderful music, that even with the dark direction it takes, it's one of the most entertaining films of the year.

          The film is still in theaters and now available on video on demand.