‘Last Night in Soho’ is so-so
Gwendolyn Warren, Staff Writer
“Last Night in Soho,” directed by Edgar Wright, premiered in theaters Oct. 29, is a psychological thriller with the components of drama, mystery and horror, taking place in London in the 60s.
The film starts with a young 18 year old girl, Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie), as she makes her way into the big city of London as a fashion student. Eloise begins to have visions of a girl in the 60s, Sandy (Anya Taylor-Joy), as she struggles to become a singer, but gets trapped in the showgirl business and becomes haunted by the male gaze. Though both characters have different experiences with men, Elosise finding a healthy relationship and Sandy living in prison throughout her life, they have something in common- they share the same dream of being independent in a male dominated industry through their creativity. However, only one makes it out: Eloise.
There were many moments in the film that showed appreciation for the trends in the 60s such as music and clothing. The song “Downtown,” by Petula Clarck, had its spotlight in the movie, highlighting the important music that surrounded that era. Not only that, but the audience gets to see how the fashion in the 60s played an inspiring role for Elosise as she creates her own looks in fashion school. The bright floral patterns and the gogo boots were seen many times throughout the movie.
Many genres and themes were mixed throughout “Last Night in Soho.” Horror is balanced with psychological thriller, along with mental health. The audience discoveres that Elosise is a girl that is shy and reservered based on the trauma of loosing her mother to suicide. This loss that Eloise goes through does not flow correctly with the other events in the movie, but shapes her personal growth. Eloises’ past, and the events in which she discovers Sandy’s past experiences, helps her become independent from her own past and start to heal.
“Last Night in Soho,” does not fail to bring suspense to the table from its horror elements. It sticks out to the audience to connect the past and the present to see women become independent.
