Last Night in Soho Blu-ray Review

THE MOVIE — 3½/5

Plot Synopsis: Aspiring fashion designer Eloise (THOMASIN MCKENZIE) is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters dazzling wannabe singer Sandie (ANYA TAYLOR-JOY). However, the glamour is not all it appears to be, and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker.

Review: Last Night in Soho is writer-director Edgar Wright’s latest opus, the first half seemingly a love letter to 1960s Soho, second half very much a nightmare, showcasing the darker side of the London district. While I can acknowledge Wright’s talents as a filmmaker, I’ve never been one to get overly excited whenever his newest project is announced. That being said, his films generally have entertained and like Cameron Crowe or Quentin Tarantino before, compiles one hell of a soundtrack.

Last Night in Soho is a visual feast. The usage of a wide color palette, with lots of bright reds and blues during the 1960s sequences, which later bleed into modern day later, is amazing and the costume designs for those scenes also were stunning. And in conjunction with a great soundtrack featuring some wonderfully songs (most notably “Downtown” performed in the movie by Anya Taylor-Joy) as well as Steven Price’s (Academy Award winner for Gravity) well composed score.

The performances also are a highlight. Of course, Anya Taylor-Joy as Sandie is a remarkable talent and shines in a role told more through her expressions than dialogue, as we witness the decline of her character throughout the film, until a brutal end. Taylor-Joy is an incredible talent and to me is right there alongside the likes of Margot Robbie. Not to be outdone, Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit), playing Eloise, is a delight in the lead, showing off a great vulnerability, turning to confidence and finally, madness as Eloise witnesses Sandie’s decline.

The supporting cast includes Matt Smith playing a devious character, charming at first, but clearly deceitful and evil later, a contrast to his run on Doctor Who. Michael Ajao (only his second feature film following 2011’s Attack the Block) has a role as the support and romantic interest to Eloise and the pair share some nice moments. Also appearing in a smaller but still pivotal role is Terrence Stamp as an older mystery man with connection to the past and Taylor-Joy’s Sandie.

Last Night in Soho might be visually arresting psychological thriller and the acting for the most part is excellent, the story in of itself wasn’t terribly engrossing and Eloise’s “gift” is never quite explained, in fact is pretty vague, though I suppose you just have to accept she significantly absorbs strong emotional strings from the past depending on the locations (in this case, in a rental bedroom).

However, in the end, Last Night in Soho is still an interesting film and certainly Edgar Wright’s visual flare is on the display along with the performances from both Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 3¾/5

This release comes with a slip cover and inside a redemption code for the Digital HD copy.

Meet Eloise (10:05) introduces us to Thomasin McKenzie’s character with interviews by McKenzie, Wright, Wilson-Cairns and others, and includes behind-the-scenes footage.

Dreaming of Sandie (9:05) — Featurette that looks at Anya Taylor-Joy’s character of Sandie.

Smoke and Mirrors (12:36) looks at the camera work, production design, color palette and how certain shots were done.

Time Travelling (10:45) — This featurette shows how the music and costumes propelled the 1960s plotline.

Deleted Scenes (9:16) — There are six scenes that were either cut or trimmed, likely for pacing and weren’t entirely necessary.

Animatics (13:06) are basically storyboards for four key scenes.

Under “Extras” are Hair & Makeup Tests (7:26), Lighting & VFX Tests (6:20), Wide Angle Witness Cam (1:54), Action Town Hall Steadicam Rehearsal (1:24) and Steadicam Alternative Take (1:45).

Music Video (5:27) for “Downtown” performed by Anya Taylor-Joy.

Trailers:

• Domestic Trailer 1
• International Trailer

Audio Commentary by Co-Writer/Producer/Director Edgar Wright, Editor Paul Machliss and Composer Steve Price. The trio, who were recorded together, have nice banter with one another but also discuss the film breaking down the scenes and actors.

VIDEO – 4½/5

AUDIO – 4½/5

OVERALL – 3¾/5

I can respect the talent of Edgar Wright as he is a visually great filmmaker and while I wasn’t totally engrossed with his latest outing (and in fairness wasn’t completely enamored with Baby Driver), I will say Last Night in Soho is well worth checking out.