Edgar Wright will likely be known for his more satirical edged films (See Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), however recently he’s taken a turn from that and explored other genres. With Baby Driver, he took what for most people was an unexpected turn. Now with Last Night In Soho, he’s taken another new genre and absolutely knocked it out of the park.
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.
Last Night In Soho is one of those films that completely defies expectations and bowls you over. It’s genuinely brilliant. Wright has pulled together the perfect storm of superb cast (Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Diana Rigg and Terence Stamp), eclectic visuals and a simple but supremely layered script.
From the outset, it keeps you on your toes before it slowly reveals it’s hand, slowly twisting and turning the viewer before it finally drops the hammer to leave you breathlessly wanting more. It avoids the usual genre trappings and just as you think you have a grip on what’s going on, the rug is once more swept out from under your feet.
Plaudits not only goto Edgar Wright, but the cast who are so captivating you are sucked into their swirling worlds of the 60s and present day. From McKenzie’s innocence to Taylor-Joys wide eyed opulence. However it’s Matt Smith’s sinister turn as Jack that is a revelation here. Beguiling and contrary, he exudes utter charm while being utterly repulsing at the same time.
The visuals of Soho are simply exquisite. as you follow the characters through the underbelly of London’s West End to the glorious glamour that’s just around the corner, everything here just hits all the right notes.
Last Night In Soho, brings it all together before the final denouement leave you catching your breath at the wonder of movie making you have just witnessed. It’s one of those films that the less you know before going in the more you will get out of it.
Bit disappointed however Matt Smith didn’t drop the Giraffe into the dance number though (Hopefully its there in the outtakes when the digital release comes out…).
Edgar Wrights finest work since Shaun of the Dead. Watch it as soon as you get the chance. You won’t regret it.
Last Night In Soho is in Cinemas Nationwide now
