Stoker (2013)
A film by Park Chan-wook
Screenplay by Wentworth Miller
The film opens with glimpses of India, the titular character played by Mia Wasikowska, smiling, slyly looking at something unknowing to the viewers. She shares how she feels different from most people — a revelation so clear but cannot seem to make sense yet.
India is an odd, teenage outcast, who is very close to her father, Richard (Dermot Mulroney), growing up. They use to spend a lot of time together hunting, typically leaving her unstable mother, Evelyn (Nicole Kidman), alone at home. However, on her 18th birthday, her father dies of a dreadful car accident. During Richard's funeral, India and her mother meet her charismatic Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) who has spent all his life traveling, and whom she never knew existed.
Charlie decides to stay with the family, as he astutely tries to get close to both ladies in the house. Lonely and distant, Evelyn keeps her guard down, allowing Charlie to keep her company. India, however, remains suspicious of his newly-found Uncle's presence. Though she is not responding to his conscious efforts, India appears to be drawn to him as much as she denies herself.
*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS* The unsettling mood in almost every scene even makes the characters more frightening. As the film seemingly brings us closer to the minds of India and Charlie, we are exposed to violence, and disturbing images (such as a woman masturbating in the shower with thoughts of murder). We start to question India's ideas and motives. Though several scenes may have foreshadowed a lot of what India is like — strongly similar to his Uncle. But Chan-wook (Old Boy) has perfectly maintained the eeriness and thrill as he slowly uncovers the protagonists' real thoughts. With the excellently executed scenes (especially with scenes that unhurriedly build up tension), paint-like cinematography (that would distract you at times) and incredibly keen close-up details (so precise you'd look even closer to the screen), Chan-wook delivers the film's twisted story in a way you would not exactly loathe the unacceptable acts shown. His views for the film have further complemented the screenplay written by Miller (Prison Break).
Though there were enough blood, and convincing characters killing without making a single flinch, personally, Stoker did not have a 'highest peak' I was expecting. The film's first few lines pretty much served as its uncanny synopsis. I did, however, greatly enjoy every masterfully crafted frames and shots. Despite its genre, it exhibited grace (particularly with the editing) while remaining true to its theme. Overall, I think Stoker was still insanely good.
Just as a flower does not choose its color, we are not responsible for what we have come to be. Only once you realized this do you become free. And to become adult is to become free.
As for the actors, what a great ensemble of cast with outstanding performances. I have always liked Wasikowska. I don't think I have ever seen a film of her that brought me disappointment over her acting. Kidman is lovely as always. And of course, Goode who almost made me forget why I fell in love with him in Brideshead Revisited, until this one, has completely blown me away.
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