Stoker

For those who enjoy reveling in the darker side of human nature, malevolent mystery and fast paced thrills, smash hit Stoker ticks all these boxes. Park Chan-Wook directs this magnificently crafted psychological thriller that critics have revered, defining Chan-Wook as this generation’s Hitchcock. Chan-Wook is no virgin to the horror genre, having directed many Korean films such as the suspense-filled mystery Oldboy. Wentworth Miller (Resident Evil: Afterlife) creates this artistic screenplay, uniting genres to produce this psychologically thrilling family drama. Expect inflections of Bram Stoker’s style in the narrative as Miller attempts to resurrect Stoker’s notorious reputation as the master of horror.

When India (Wasikowska) tragically loses her father, enigmatic Uncle Charlie moves in with her and her mother (Kidman). Yet upon his arrival her family life takes a turn for the murderous. Although suspicions start to surface, India and her mother are uncannily drawn to such a mysterious, charming character resulting in India’s irrevocable infatuation.

Dripping with mystery, Stoker slowly unfolds by exploring the fascinating relations between the Stoker family. Yet the second half screams thrills, suspense and the uncanny. Chan-Wook is supported by a superb cast, who emulate the eerie atmosphere to perfection. Mia Wasikowska stars as the lead protagonist, the lonesome and apprehensive India, in which her performance is executed superbly. Meanwhile, Matthew Goode stars as the mysterious Charlie and Nicole Kidman perfects the role of India’s neurotic mother.

Having been accredited five stars and receiving critical acclaim nationwide, in the words of the Guardian, Stoker is "a gorgeously mounted family mystery dressed up as a gothic fairytale." You’d be disturbed to miss it!

Rhiannan Falshaw-Skelly