Magpie Review | Daisy Ridley’s Seductive Neo-Noir Slow-Burn

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As a film enthusiast with a penchant for unconventional narratives and powerhouse performances, I must say that “Magpie” has left me utterly captivated. Having traversed the cinematic landscapes of various genres throughout my years, I can confidently declare that this neo-noir gem is a standout in today’s saturated market.

After briefly stepping away from larger Star Wars projects, Daisy Ridley has been quite active lately with intriguing smaller films like “Young Woman and the Sea” and the intense drama “Sometimes I Think About Dying.” These roles allowed her to demonstrate her impressive American accent, a skill many renowned British actors possess. However, she’s now back to using her native voice in “Magpie,” a tense neo-noir film set in the U.K., where she plays a resilient wife and mother of two, struggling to deal with a problematic husband and a fractured marriage.

The movie titled “Magpie” was directed by Sam Yates and written by Tom Bateman, who happens to be Ridley’s spouse. She herself played a crucial role in shaping the storyline of this film. Co-produced by both Bateman and Ridley, it’s evident that this is a project close to her heart. This dedication is reflected in her outstanding performance in the movie. For enthusiasts of noir films or Ridley fans, this new thriller, which is a film-within-a-film, should definitely be on your must-watch list.

(A Film) Shoot to Kill

That may look like a gun Ridley’s holding in the film’s edgy promotional poster, the way her piercing eyes are reacting to whatever scene is happening around her — but no, that would be a cell phone. But in this day and age, a mobile device can also cause a considerable amount of harm in the wrong hands, as most of us have probably learned in this dangerously digital age. And the ubiquitous device, the locus of so much lust, anger, and distraction, is what kickstarts many of the weighty plot beats in Magpie, even right from the get-go.

The plot unfolds in the British movie industry abroad, where a renowned actress finds herself embroiled in a scandal (which people are devouring on their smartphones for their cruel amusement). However, acting is her sole profession, so Alicia (Matilda Lutz) persists and takes up her next role, one that requires her to depict a struggling mother within a dramatic period film.

In the film-within-a-film, young Matilda (Hiba Ahmed), the daughter of Anette (Ridley) and her writer husband Ben (Shazad Latif), takes on the role. The couple is undeniably proud of their talented actress daughter Matilda, yet Anette expresses pride in Ben’s work as a published author, which Ben finds hard to believe. Their marriage appears strained even before the story begins – perhaps the tension stems from another child on the way. Interestingly, Anette has left her thriving career behind to focus on being a stay-at-home mom, and she seems to excel at it. Yet, there’s a noticeable divide between them, so one wonders what’s causing the discord.

Magpie Concerns a Marriage Consumed by Infidelity

After Ben introduces Matilda on set and encounters Alicia for the first time, he instantly develops a strong attraction towards the famous personality. On set, Ben exudes only warmth and good energy around Alicia while reserving his negative feelings for what appears to be an unfulfilling domestic life with Anette. No matter what Anette does or says, they don’t share happiness in their daily lives, even when she subtly expresses surprise at Ben mentioning that Alicia admired one of his highly regarded books. It is evident then, that there’s no emotional connection at home and Anette can even overhear Ben enjoying himself in the master bathroom as an escape.

As the metaphorical gap widens, I find myself persistently advocating for taking Matilda to set each day, which, quite conveniently, places me in close proximity to her captivating co-star. It’s then that Anette becomes increasingly intrigued by this clandestine dance Ben seems to be orchestrating, setting the stage for a potentially perilous love triangle with unexpected twists from all sides…

Subjective and Twisty Storytelling with Bold Performances

It’s refreshing that Magpie typically steers clear of the usual romantic novel tropes, instead offering unexpected plot twists. Even though the second act can feel a bit predictable with Ben’s recurring questionable actions, Anette’s assertive personality keeps us engaged and excited. The film’s dreamy aesthetic further heightens our suspense, thanks to director Yates’ creative use of subjective camera angles to animate seductive text messages. “I’ve never met someone like,” Ben gushes to the camera — us — as we envision him typing out these intentionally cringe-worthy messages on his phone to Alicia.

In this role, Latif delivers both captivating and exasperating acting, delving into the dark heart of a man, who despite being unethical and driven primarily by his sexual desires, believes he’s deceiving everyone, including his spouse, about his infidelity. The themes of greed, sex, and harmful masculinity are prevalent in this portrayal, at times becoming overwhelming due to its explicit nature.

However, Ridley stands out for her adaptability, with her piercing eyes perfectly fitting for her diverse Disney roles and now, this adult-oriented character. Notably, her new, short haircut will grab your attention right away and contribute to the portrayal of her no-nonsense demeanor that fuels the intense energy seen in many scenes of Magpie.

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2024-10-23 16:42