Last Night in Soho

Official Australian release date: 18/11/21. Viewed: 4/12/21.
Director: Edgar Wright
Actors: Thomasin McKenzie, Anna Taylor-Joy, Michael Ajao, Diana Rigg
Genre: Drama / Mystery
Rating: MA

 

‘Last Night in Soho’ is a blend of coming-of-age story, love letter to London and nostalgic reminiscence of the 1960s, with a nice murder-mystery thrown in for measure! I’ll see anything Edgar Wright makes, with this not being a comedy set in a specific genre, but closer to ‘Baby Driver’ in it’s focus. Ellie (McKenzie) gets into fashion design school in London and her obsession with the 60s (both fashion and music) sets her off on an unexpected journey of both self-discovery and some visions of Sandie (Talyor-Joy) in 60s Soho.

The cast is well-rounded, with John (Ajao) as the friend, Ms Collins (Rigg) as the landlady, Jack (Smith) personifying the 60s, Jocasta (Karlsen) as the frenemy and Terence Stamp as the old storyteller. After a normal set-up, a trippy second act with an exceptional soundtrack (Dusty Springfield, The Kinks, Cilla Black). You think you know where the finale is heading, but then there’s a few great twists at the end.

I wouldn’t say it turns into horror, but there’s certainly some semi-shocking moments and definitely a nice surprise with where the film ends up. Great performances from both McKenzie & Taylor-Joy, and nice to see Diana Rigg one last time.

Overall: Enjoyable London dream/nightmare mystery.

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars.