Once Upon a Time in Soho
Edgar Wright’s long awaited Last Night in Soho explores the darker side of the alluring sixties.
Aspiring fashion stylist Eloise is awarded a scholarship at UAL, where she can finally crown her dream to move to the British capital. Listening to old vinyls all day long, and obsessed by the Swinging London, her expectations are soon disillusioned: the colourful, dandy times seem to be gone for good, Carnaby street is but a touristic relict, and the streets of Soho are now grey and dangerous. The closest she can get to the 60s is through her dreams, which, night by night, become more lucid. As she sleeps, her alter-ego Sandy wanders through the glamorous vibes of 1965, trying to start a career as a stage performer hanging around the Café de Paris between a Thunderball and a Twiggy poster on the notes of a twist. Yet her dreams soon become more than illusions, influencing her and impacting her daily life.
Edgar Wright never takled the horror genre, not seriously at least, but his style is still evident with his traditional humour of punchlines and cool cuts, with countless editing tricks that never disappoint. However, the film fails to be properly funny in its comedic moments, but also not scary in the poor CGI-crammed horror scenes. Perhaps the only dimension in which this film properly works, is as an enjoyable Edgar Wright movie.
The director’s love for the 60s really transpires, as one of the best elements of the film is its insane soundtrack, composed of countless 60s classics which are just a joy to be seen paired up with some action on screen. The film also gives us a good chance to see some 60s icon back on the silver screen, such as Terence Stamp and the late Diana Rigg in her ultimate performance.
3.5/5