After many delays and much uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, films have finally returned to cinemas. At last, moviegoers are able to see their favorite superhero blockbusters on the big screens, but with all of these comic book film adaptations receiving all of the attention (films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), smaller budget films like Edgar Wright's upcoming Last Night in Soho seem to be disregarded by many fans.
Wright's psychological horror film takes place in 1960's London and centers around a young woman with a passion for fashion design that is mysteriously transported back in time in the body of her idol, a singer named Sandy. Originally planned for a September 5, 2020 release date, was then pushed back to April 23, 2021, due to the pandemic before being delayed again to October 22, 2021, and once more to the following weekend on October 29, 2021. Through all of this build-up and the rescheduling dates, one thing is certain: Wright's next film is not getting the hype that it deserves. Here's why there should be more excitement for Last Night in Soho.
Edgar Wright has been around for quite some time, and the iconic filmmaker has yet to miss. From gaining fame with 2004's Shaun of the Dead, the first entry in the anthology Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, Wright's distinct, flashy directing style quickly put him on Hollywood's list of top directors to look out for. Audiences may also know him as the director behind visionary and thrilling films like 2010's Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and 2017's Baby Driver. His films' pacing swiftly flies by while always wrapping the audience up into whatever characters or story he is trying to convey. By the way, Wright's knack for original storytelling is another reason that Last Night in Soho should have viewers ready to rush back to theatres.
From the speedy editing, cheeky foreshadowing, quirky characters, and the parodies of numerous genres, Wright has been able to achieve something very few directors have: constantly producing unique, original stories. It can be refreshing to watch a film that isn't based on a comic book character or one that isn't some sort of reboot. In a world where franchises like Fast and the Furious and the MCU are taking over (not to say they can't have good stories), it's nice to have a film with an original story, characters, and ideas. It's difficult, though, because many of these original stories aren't supported enough at the box office to be made more. That's why filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Edgar Wright have become fan favorites and should be on everyone's radar.
Whether it's the buddy-cop friendship in Hot Fuzz, the alien invasion/sci-fi elements in The World's End, or the thrilling crime heist in Baby Driver, Wright has the ability to tackle any genre and add his own twists while still somehow giving audiences a film they haven't seen before. Last Night in Soho will be his first time dabbling in the horror genre in its truest form. Shaun of the Dead, although featuring horror elements from the zombies, still relied heavily on comedy like most of his films. It's most likely Wright will be able to make a smooth transition to this different genre. His filmography has a current average of 90% on rotten tomatoes, which goes to show that he is consistent at pushing the filmmaking boundaries and shows no signs of slowing down.
Aside from Wright's visual flair, a big positive in all of his films are the memorable characters. Being known to collaborate effortlessly with his cast and crew on each of his films is very apparent once watching them. Wright's characters feel so relatable and likable, with each bringing a different level of excitement. Wright spends time developing each character, treating every scene as important as the next instead. For example, he is able to create protagonists that always have this misunderstanding from others around them (particularly apparent in Hot Fuzz where Simon Pegg's character is trying to solve the gruesome deaths in a small town that everyone else believes to only be "accidents"). This misunderstanding places the protagonist in relatable situations that have audiences rooting for them to a greater extent.
Last Night in Soho's darker, more serious route may not feature as quirky of characters, but looking at the talented cast from Anya Taylor-Joy ( Netflix's The Queen's Gambit) and Thomasin Mckenzie (Jojo Rabbit) to Matt Smith (Doctor Who) along with co-writer of the film Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917), those characters will sure come to life from the brilliant performances portrayed, immaculate writing and Wright's understanding of establishing emotionally enriched characters.
Whatever the end result may be, there's no doubt Wright's Last Night in Soho will add to the list of great modern-day horror films and provide fans with a film that is wildly unexpected and original just like the director himself.
Last Night in Soho will have its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 4, 2021, and will release in theatres on October 29, 2021.