Review of Last Night in Soho (2021) by Rebecca31 — 22 Nov 2021

Director Edgar Wright gives us something a little different to his usual with a psychological thriller/horror. I had high expectations after seeing the trailer and Last Night in Soho did not disappoint.

Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie) is an aspiring fashion designer about to commence her studies in London. The culture shock hits Eloise hard quickly changing from a small town to a busy London city. She mysteriously begins to enter into the 1960s where she encounters the seductive Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy). Much like Eloise she is also hoping to start out a new and glamourous career and make a name for herself in London. Eloise is enchanted by these glimpses into another time but soon the dreams of the past start to take a dark and sinister turn.

I've already been impressed by Thomasin McKenzie in a couple of her previous roles and now as a lead in an Edgar Wright movie she gives a brilliant performance. Also starring Anya Taylor-Joy as the wannabe singer and honestly she's great in everything. Last Night in Soho captures the glitz and glamour of 1960s London while also diving into the darker side of show business. It's very impressive visually with the use of smooth transitions and mirrors. I couldn't help but sit there wondering how they managed to film some of the scenes. Starting very strong and very much in the psychological thriller genre but as it progresses it drifts more into a horror. I'd argue that the third act is not as good as the first two but that didn't hinder my enjoyment too much. It's still immensely entertaining with a great story full of twists and turns, accompanied by an epic soundtrack and a terrific cast.

I love the use of music in Wright's movies, Baby Driver particularly used the song selection to its advantage and Last Night in Soho has an equally brilliant soundtrack that perfectly throws the audience back in time to the lavish London night scene. It's the type of film once you finish you immediately want to go and listen back to the music. Highly recommended.