Secrets Behind Glass Walls

Read Time:3 Minute, 50 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Magpie
–

Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Sam Yates
Writer(s): Tom Bateman
Cast: Daisy Ridley, Shazad Latif, Matilda Lutz, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Hiba Ahmed, Cherrelle Skeete, Alistair Petrie
Where To Watch: exclusively in select theaters on October 25, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Enter into the deceptive tranquility of the English countryside in MAGPIE, where picturesque countryside masks the turbulent storms of a disintegrating family. This neo-noir thriller peels back layers of a seemingly perfect existence, revealing the stark realities of betrayal and the intoxicating dangers of a forbidden romance. Daisy Ridley is the mind behind the film's idea and production. She also leads the cast in her portrayal of Anette, a woman confined within the walls of an oppressive marriage whose world is upended by her husband’s infidelity.

The film introduces us to Anette, whose life undergoes a dramatic disruption when her daughter, Matilda (Hiba Ahmed,) lands a role that thrusts her husband, Ben (Shazad Latif,) into the path of Alicia, a film star played by Matilda Lutz. Ben's enchantment with Alicia spirals into an affair, setting the stage for the narrative's dive into the psychological impacts of his betrayal. The family's sleek, glass-walled home, offering expansive views of the surrounding wilderness, contrasts sharply with the emotional chaos unfolding within, highlighting the growing fractures in Ben and Anette's marriage.

As Anette confronts the reality of Ben’s betrayal, their serene home becomes a metaphor for isolation and the transparent yet fragile barriers between truth and deception. Laura Bellingham’s cinematography enhances this theme, using shadow and light to create a voyeuristic glimpse into Anette’s escalating despair, making their living space a silent witness to her inner turmoil.

Ridley’s portrayal of Anette’s transformation from a supportive spouse to a woman on the edge is compelling. She navigates Anette’s emotional battlefield with a depth that captures her character's heartbreak and resilience. This journey is at the heart of MAGPIE, rendering Anette not merely a victim but a formidable woman charting a course through her disarrayed life.

The dynamic between Anette, Ben, and Alicia evolves into a complex triangle where loyalties and motivations are constantly questioned. Alicia, as brought to life by Lutz, subverts the typical other-woman trope, adding a multi-dimensional vulnerability that challenges the audience's preconceptions about infidelity and its architects.

Director Sam Yates steers clear of melodrama, opting for a subdued approach that builds tension through the actors’ potent performances rather than overt dialogue. This choice amplifies the psychological strain, particularly in silent scenes that speak volumes about the character’s inner conflicts, echoing the narrative with intense psychological resonance. While slightly predictable, the performances in the film make the journey worth the ride.

As MAGPIE develops, Anette's detective-like piecing together of Ben's indiscretions pivots into a more comprehensive exploration of her identity and resilience, culminating in a finish that reshapes the entire storyline. It surprises but satisfies, providing a resolution that feels both unexpected and inevitable.

This narrative journey merges intense character study with suspenseful storytelling, marking a career highlight for Ridley and showcasing Yates' directorial acumen. Beyond its entertainment value, MAGPIE invites its audience to delve deep into the impacts of love, betrayal, and the quest for truth, leaving a lasting impression that resonates well beyond its final scene.

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[photo courtesy of SHOUT! STUDIOS, 55 FILMS, ALIGN, WEREWOLF FILMS]

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