An aspiring fashion designer (Thomasin McKenzie) mysteriously begins entering 1960’s London, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer (Anya Taylor-Joy). However all that glitters isn’t gold, as the visions of the past begin to seep into the present.
Director and writer, Edgar Wright, is an extremely talented filmmaker. I admire how he fearlessly ventures outside of his comfort zone to create something unexpected.
And Last Night in Soho is definitely not what I expected…but not in a good way.
The film has been consistently advertised as a time-jumping horror film in London, so I was sort of expecting a twisty version of Midnight in Paris. But no no. Last Night in Soho is far more wild, misguided, and complex than I ever imagined.
I admit, the first two acts are wickedly entertaining mainly because Last Night in Soho a.) takes place in my favorite city in the world, London, and b.) boasts incredible two of the most talented, up and coming stars of our generation: Anya Taylor-Joy and Thomasin McKenzie.
Both women are utterly charming and captivating on screen (even though I think the film wastes Taylor-Joy, who spends most of the film dancing around in gorgeous dresses).
But even these brilliant stars couldn’t save the film from the disaster that is the third act.
Wright totally loses grip with the story he wants to tell. It is clear he wants to make statements about trauma and sexual assault, but he is also so committed to keeping his surreal ghost story alive. So he keeps building up to twists that completely derail the narrative, resulting in a disappointing and frustrating finale.
Last Night in Soho was one of my most anticipated films of 2021, and to put it plainly, I REALLY wanted to enjoy it. From trailers, interviews and photos, all the elements were literally screaming, “HEATHER, THIS IS FOR YOU!”
But sadly, this was one trip to Soho I would not take.
Final Thoughts: Despite its intriguing premise, strong leading ladies and stylized aesthetic, Last Night in Soho is a big disappointment.
But I will say, it has me missing London so much.
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