THE LAST NIGHT IN SOHO

Thomasin McKenzie plays Eloise, a simple English countryside girl who has big dreams of becoming a famous fashion designer in London. The film opens with her receiving her acceptance letter to a fashion school in London, thus thrusting the fish-out-of-water girl into Soho. However, Eloise has a gift where she can feel and even see things before or after they've happened. This has allowed her to still have a relationship with her dead mother, who committed suicide when she was only 7 years old. Upon her arrival in her dorm room, she's quickly greeted by her two faced roommate, who smiles and acts as her friend but runs her down behind her back. Having a difficult time adjusting, Eloise comes across a notice on campus about a room to rent. Needing some distance from her roommate and her own space to adjust to the move, Eloise jumps at the chance, even picking up a job at a pub to assist with the rent. However, the more Eloise stays in the room, the more she's visited in her dreams by Sandie, played wonderfully by the very talented Anya Taylor-Joy. She stayed in Eloises' room back in 1965 and Eloise, being obsessed with the 60's, is captivated to learn more about Sandie and her story. Sandie is a singer and falls in love with Jack (Matt Smith) until she's tragically murdered. Eloise then turns her obsession to finding Jack and bringing him to justice over 50 years later. If ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD is Quentin Tarantino's love story to Hollywood, then this (or at least the first act or two) are Edgar Wright's love story to Soho and London during the 1960's. Wonderful music, costumes, and set designs enthralls the audience into the time period. McKenzie and Taylor-Joy both do a spectacular job at carrying this film: McKenzie for making the audience constantly question her mental state as the film progresses and Taylor-Joy for her range. Throw in Terrance Stamp as well as 1960's icon Dianna Rigg (nice touch Mr. Wright) and you've got a hard hitting lineup of talent. A lot to take in and I would definitely be up for another viewing. This may not appeal to everyone as the opening is absolutely beautiful, energizing, and exciting; however, it definitely takes a different turn into a roller coaster of a crescendo by the finale. 7/10