Edgar Wright’s filmography dives into full-fledged horror with his latest film Last Night in Soho. The director gave us clues of his love for horror with Shaun of the Dead, yet this film eschews any comedy for total psychological warfare.
Aspiring fashion student Eloise “Ellie” Turner (Thomasin McKenzie) moves from her quaint home in Cornwall to attend the London College of Fashion. Obsessed with 1960s culture, Ellie has a hard time adjusting to life in London and moves out of her dorm to a boarding house owned by Ms. Collins (Diana Rigg, in her final film role). In the house, Ellie starts having vivid dreams, and is transported to the 1960s where she meets a woman named Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy), an aspiring chanteuse.
This is where it gets interesting.
Ellie starts modeling her fashion designs after Sandie, and even dyes her hair blonde like her. However, as the dreams continue, Sandie’s aspirations turn to nightmares when her manager/boyfriend Jack (Matt Smith, who is so disgusting he oozes onscreen) pimps her out to his associates. Ellie becomes overwrought with visions of the men who abused Sandie, and her world becomes intertwined with Sandie’s.
Many have discussed the Giallo influence in this film, and it is clear to see why. There are various moments where the viewer has little bearing on reality. Anything can, and often does happen. Last Night in Soho shows real vision from Wright and is bolstered by a stellar cast. Highly recommended for horror film collections in public libraries. Film studies professors with a unit on Edgar Wright or Italian filmmaking influences on modern films should strongly consider this title.
Read our introduction to Giallo to learn more about the inspirations behind Last Night in Soho.
Discover more titles with our list of horror movies.