Last Night in Soho
I love giallo films and Last Night in Soho, plus one other film on the list, captured the genre incredibly. Following Ellie Turner (Thomasin McKenzie), a fashion student who mysteriously travels to 1960’s London where she’s forced to solve a murder, the film’s cinematography, music, and editing are all spellbinding. Director Edgar Wright’s first foray into the horror genre, he’s clearly having a blast seeing how far he can go with his world, enveloping us in 1960’s London. Deep within the London lights and beauty, Wright has no qualms depicting the sleazy underbelly of the 60’s treatment of women. While Wright has fun, he doesn’t get lost in nostalgia, showing the dangers of romanticizing the past. Additionally, the empathetic and touching performance of Thomasin McKenzie gives the film heart throughout the maddening mystery. I had a great time figuring out where Last Night in Soho would go next, and I’m curious if it’ll lead to a giallo revival.
