Last Night Of Soho(2021)(Review)[Weirdo Wednesday]

Director Edgar Wright has brought us many fantastic films throughout his career, from ‘Shaun of the Dead’ to ‘Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World’ to ‘Baby Driver’. And he has returned with his newest offering, a psychological horror film titled ‘Last Night in Soho’.

Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie) is an aspiring fashion designer whose just begun her scholarship at a great school in London. When her roommate continuously disrespects her, she moves out and goes into a flat in the downtown district. As she goes to sleep listening to her ’60s vinyls every night, her dreams transport her into a neon-drenched world of the ’60s where she is an aspiring singer named Sandie (played by Anya Taylor Joy). She looks in the mirror and sees she is the other girl, and she almost falls in love with her – or at least the idea of her. She begins to mimic her swagger and style and begins to grow the confidence she desperately needed.

But then the dreams slowly morph into nightmares that grow more and more violent and terrifying as they go. They eventually begin to bleed into reality and gives off an almost ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ vibe where Eloise is terrified to go to sleep. There is a tragedy she desperately wants to understand and solve, but the pieces are horrendously distorted.

The movie has some stunning camera work featuring practical on-set mirror tricks and expertly curated choreography. The soundtrack slaps and the overall direction is fabulous. The set design is beautiful with it’s bright neon-colored ambience, and the story isn’t scared to let itself breathe. Many people voiced complaints with some plot holes and how the third act unfolds, but I’m not of them. I had fun watching this girl go through this horrible journey, and I was completely immersed into the story.

If you’re a fan of Edgar Wright’s previous directorial works, I believe this film stacks amongst the top 5. It is expertly executed and holds your attention ’til the very end. It ended up being my #1 film for 2021.

4.5/5
‘Last Night in Soho’ is currently available on VOD, and is coming to 4KUHD/BluRay/DVD on January 18th.

‘Til Next Time,
Mike Cleopatra