Our Review of Stoker

There are certain films that are more like a work of art than a film; Stoker is one of them. Directed by Park Chan-wook (Oldboy) in his English-language debut, Stoker is a psychosexual thriller that highlights beautiful imagery even amongst a fairly demented storyline. The title “Stoker” alone brings to mind Gothicism and vampires, and while that is not the subject of this film, the theme of generational “bad blood” emanates throughout the movie. Although Stoker may not be for everyone, many of the scenes evoke emotional responses that will stick with you for days, even weeks after you watch it. That is the sign of a good film.

Written by Wentworth Miller (Prison Break), Stoker is the dark, coming-of-age story of India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska), a young girl on the cusp of adulthood who is dealing with the sudden death of her beloved father Richard (Dermot Mulroney). India and her mother Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) have a strained relationship, which only gets worse after Richard’s younger brother Charlie (Matthew Goode) arrives for the funeral. India and her mother have never met this mysterious man, since he has spent most of his life traveling through Europe. Though he at first appears to be a breath of fresh air for the grieving family, the audience is quickly shown that Uncle Charlie is not the man he pretends to be. However, due to his charming personality and ability to fill the void left by his brother, it doesn’t take long before both women fall in love with him. This love-triangle, along with many devious twists, paves the way to a powerful third act confrontation that finally answers the question, “Who is Uncle Charlie?”

Stoker is one of the best cast movies of 2013 (so far). Mia Wasikowska shines as a Wednesday Addams(ish) teen, dealing with her transition into womanhood, as well as her own inner demons. Wasikowska is completely believable in the role and expertly demonstrates that she has the acting chops to keep up with fellow Aussie, Nicole Kidman. Along with Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman is fantastic (as always) in the supporting role of Evelyn. She continues to show what a dynamic actress she is, going from her trashy character in The Paperboy, to a creepy, yet elegant mother in Stoker, to her upcoming role as the glamorous Grace Kelly in Grace of Monaco. What can’t she do?! Matthew Goode is also incredible as the charming, yet menacing Uncle Charlie. He plays the role with an air of mystery, which constantly leaves the audience wondering what he will do next. Other supporting characters played by Jackie Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook), Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding), and Phyllis Somerville (The Big C) round out the fantastic cast.

The one thing that sticks out the most in this film is Park Chan-wook’s fantastic imagery. Even in the most violent scenes, Chan-wook finds beauty. For example, in one scene India is brutally bullied by a classmate at school. To defend herself, India stabs the boy in the hand with her pencil. Following the attack, there is a fantastic scene of India casually sharpening the blood off of her pencil, which is both disturbing as well as intriguing. Another one of my favorite images was of India lying in bed, surrounded by saddle shoes in various sizes from childhood to adulthood, which she unknowingly received from Uncle Charlie on her birthday each year. These types of scenes not only show Park Chan-wook’s artistic gift, but are also what sticks with the audience long after the film has ended.

Stoker is a film that attempts to answer the question of nature vs. nurture. It just may not be the answer that audiences want.

My grade:B+

Stoker Trailer

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