“Last Night in Soho” (2021) is a psychological horror film directed by Edgar Wright, with a screenplay co-written by Wright and Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Set in modern-day London, the film blends elements of horror, mystery, and psychological drama to create a unique cinematic experience. The story follows Eloise, a young woman with a passion for fashion design, who mysteriously travels back in time to 1960s London. There, she becomes entangled in a chilling tale involving betrayal, ambition, and the darker sides of fame. The film, with its stunning visuals and atmospheric tension, explores themes of identity, revenge, and the dangers of idealizing the past.

The story centers around Eloise, played by Thomasin McKenzie, a young fashion student who moves to London to pursue her dreams. Soon, she begins to experience vivid dreams where she is transported to the 1960s, inhabiting the life of a beautiful singer named Sandie, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. As Eloise delves deeper into Sandie’s world, she discovers that Sandie’s rise to fame is far from glamorous, and her encounters with the dark underbelly of the music industry lead to horrifying consequences. The dream world starts to bleed into Eloise’s waking life, causing her to question what is real and what is imagined, blurring the lines between past and present.

The film features strong performances, especially from its two lead actresses, Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy. McKenzie, as Eloise, brings vulnerability and depth to her character, effectively portraying a young woman caught between her aspirations and the haunting visions of the past. Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Sandie is captivating, capturing both the charm and the tragedy of a young woman trapped in a dangerous and manipulative environment. The supporting cast, including Matt Smith and Diana Rigg, also deliver compelling performances that add complexity to the narrative, particularly in their roles as figures who embody both the allure and the dangers of the 1960s music scene.

One of the central themes of “Last Night in Soho” is the idea of identity and the tension between personal aspirations and the dangers of escapism. Eloise, who has always felt out of place in the modern world, finds herself drawn to the past, where she can experience a life she believes is more glamorous and exciting. However, as she becomes more immersed in Sandie’s world, Eloise begins to lose her sense of self and struggles to separate her own identity from the one she’s inhabiting in her dreams. This conflict explores how the desire to escape into another time or place can be both alluring and destructive, as Eloise discovers the terrifying consequences of idealizing the past.

“Last Night in Soho” is a masterclass in psychological horror, with Edgar Wright expertly creating a sense of dread and unease. The film’s use of visuals and sound design adds to its eerie atmosphere, with neon lights, 1960s-inspired fashion, and haunting imagery that immerse the audience in the unsettling world Eloise experiences. The suspense builds as Eloise’s visions become increasingly disturbing, and the audience is kept on edge as the boundary between dreams and reality continues to blur. The horror in the film is not only supernatural but psychological, as Eloise grapples with her perceptions of the past and the emotional scars it leaves on her.

In conclusion, “Last Night in Soho” is a visually stunning and psychologically intense horror film that combines Edgar Wright’s signature style with elements of mystery and suspense. The film’s exploration of themes like identity, the dangers of escapism, and the dark side of fame adds depth to its thrilling narrative. With strong performances from the cast, particularly Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy, the film captures the complexity of its characters and their struggles. Wright’s direction and the film’s atmospheric tension make it a standout in the psychological horror genre. “Last Night in Soho” is a captivating experience that will linger with audiences long after the credits roll.