Stoker is a gothic and haunting film that explores the darker side of human nature. It’s eerie and yet interesting as the true nature of the characters are each gradually revealed. The mystery in this film adroitly keeps your interest, and the reveal is far from disappointing.
By Keeva Stratton
When her father dies suddenly, India (Mia Wasikowska) is introduced to her Uncle Charlie—an uncle she wasn’t aware she had. Charlie is charming and his relationship with her father (his brother) is clouded in mystery, but there’s little doubt that there is a romantic interest with her mother, Evelyn (Nicole Kidman).
As India digests this new character in her life, she must also come to terms with her own infatuation with Charlie. Charlie allows this interest to develop, as his plans for India are far from what you might expect.
India will learn more about her past as she uncovers the relationship between her father and his brother, and her own relationship with her mother will be tested by the strange desires she feels. To say anything more would be to interfere in the slow simmering reveal of the plot; but needless to say, the talent-laden cast delivers rewardingly on this character-dependent piece.
It seems to be a trademark of Asian directors that when they cross into making films for the Western market, they bring with them stunning visuals and a slower, more indulgent pace. Park Chan-wook is a big star in Korean cinema (among his successes are Oldboy, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2004), and his directorial hand brings a sense of beauty to this film’s inexorably chilling exposition.
Littered with Australian talent, including Kidman, Wasikowska and Jacki Weaver, it’s a quirky little film that indulges in the strange and unnerving—but is certainly worth giving a go.
Directed by: Park Chan-Wook
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska
Rating: MA
Runtime: 99 mins
Release Date: August 29
Reviewer rating: 3/5
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