Thursday, June 22, 2017

Film Review: The Beguiled

Year: 2017

Director: Sofia Coppola

Writer: Sofia Coppola

Cinematography: Philippe Le Sourd

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst,  Colin Farrell, Elle Fanning, Oona Laurence, Angourie Rice, Addison Riecke

Country of Origin: USA

Rating: R

Time: 93 mins.

I never thought I would see the day when Sofia Coppola would direct a thriller but here we are with The Beguiled! This southern gothic story is set during the Civil War at a southern girl's boarding school. When one of the girls find a wounded soldier (Colin Farrell), they take him in and sexual tension starts brewing. Sofia Coppola crafts a razor sharp thriller that explores gender dynamics through the female gaze. The film is filled with atmospheric tension from start to finish especially with the music provided by Laura Karpman and Phoenix. The stunning cinematography by Philippe Le Sourd will leave you breathless and wanting more!

The Beguiled is a remake of the 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood and based on the novel by Thomas P. Cullinan. Sofia has been getting a lot of heat for removing a Black slave that was in the original film to focus on the gender dynamics instead of the race relations. But I don't see why it wouldn't have worked if it did so well in the original film but that's Sofia Coppola for you. Regardless of everything, I quite enjoyed it and I'm sure it will get some Oscar nominations! After all, she did win the Best Director award at Cannes this year!

- Trailer Reaction -