Last Night In Soho

Edgar Wright writes and directs his latest musical and visual treat.

Last Night in Soho is part psychological thriller part ghost story that sees us flipping between contemporary London through the eyes of fashion student Ellie (Thomasin McKenzie) and the dark underbelly of 1960’s Soho. Ellie is a quiet girl from England’s South West, living with her gran (Rita Tushingham) since the death of her mother. Ellie is a gifted designer given her chance to attend university in London. But she also has the ability to feel and sense history and still sees visions of her mother. After moving out of her student accommodation she finds herself a tenant in the home of elderly Miss Collins (Diana Rigg). It is here that she finds herself linked back to 1960’s London as she sees visions of Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy) a young girl trying to make herself a name as a singer. As she falls under the control of Jack (Matt Smith) her dreams unravel and she finds herself driven into a world she didn’t want and Ellie is dragged into it with her.

Last Night in Soho is a fabulous atmospheric thriller cum ghost story. Directed with Wright’s usual visual flair and ability to build around an enjoyable 1960’s soundtrack.

For me if you are going to do “horror” then this is how you do it. No need for jump scares, it is much better done with a clever story and intriguing characters you are never quite sure of. And a plot that keeps you unsure of what you think you know.

A couple of unconvincing accents aside the performances are superb Mackenzie and Taylor-Joy whose lives are intertwined, via some very smart editing, are at the heart. Mackenzie balances the fish out of water country girl with the determined young woman desperately trying to save Sandie. Taylor-Joy’s Sandie goes on the opposite journey from hopeful and fiesty to downtrodden and defeated. Matt Smith as ominous controlling Jack in the 60’s and contemporary Terence Stamp bring an uncomfortable under current when on screen. But all are topped by deliciously dark performance by the late Diana Rigg.

Last Night in Soho is a really enjoyable thriller cum ghost story, told with Wright’s usual flair. The plot is smart and wends its way smartly between today and the 1960’s and as the past encroahces increasingly on Ellie’s present it slowly ratchets up the tension. I went in knowing very little about this, but very much enjoyed finding out.