100 Movies in 100 Days
Movie 38 Day 38
Stoker
I was looking for something unique to watch today. So often I see so many mainstream movies but it's refreshing to find something a little bit odd and more independent. I had heard about the movie Stoker in the past. I knew it starred Nicole Kidman as the mother, Mia Wasikowska as India and Matthew Goode as Uncle Charlie. The trailers always seemed a bit odd, like you weren't really sure if it was a thriller, independent or creepy. It's a little bit of everything! I must say that if you have the patience, this movie is absolutely stunning and terrifyingly creepy.
Stoker starts off with India's father passing away on her birthday. From there the story develops as a long-lost uncle appears out of nowhere and begins to assist her mother after her father's death. Now India is a very unique girl. She doesn't like to be touched, she has heightened sensory. She can hear things and see things that go unnoticed by most people. She's very socially awkward but incredibly brilliant. And her uncle Charlie seems to have a connection with her but you aren't exactly sure why that is. Members of the family seem shocked that Charlie is back after claiming he's been in Europe all these years. You know there's something sinister under the surface but you're not exactly sure what it is. I don't want to spoil the movie for you because it has so many creepy twists and turns. Stoker leaves you guessing until the screen fades to black and the credits roll.
The film making in this movie is breathtaking. Director Park Chan-wook uses to sound and sight to give another layer of depth and intimacy. You feel like you're watching something you're not supposed to see. He also has a beautiful artistic eye, the whole movie is inter laid with greens and Earth Tones that represent India and her emotions. Even Mia wears green contacts to give India an interesting look to match Uncle Charlie's eyes. The cinematography was so on point you feel like you're looking at a painting. Every detail, every bird wing flapping, every creak the floorboards is so intimate and invasive. It's absolutely eerie and wonderful.
The acting by the cast is something to be praised. Nicole Kidman plays a brilliantly washed up, former debutante. She is struggling with the loss of her husband but she's clearly the type of woman who is always needed a man in her life. For the first time she has to evaluate herself and it's not a pretty picture. Mia as India is phenomenal, she is so wise beyond her years. She's conflicted and deep but incredibly damaged but you're not exactly sure why. It's incredibly fascinating to watch her develop this character. Then of course there's Matthew Goode who is charming and delightful but there's some type of evil cynicism buried underneath the surface. I don't know how he can become dark and twisted but likable. I think he's incredibly underrated, he's so talented and can play charming, sweet, kind and sexy but terrifying and sinister.
If you have an opportunity and you are looking for a movie that's a little bit odd I highly recommend taking a look at Stoker
