By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Now, this is an "October Surprise."
"Magpie," the gripping neo-noir film from director
Sam Yates ("National Theater: Vanya") and screenwriter
Tom Bateman ("Kid Snow"), is a twisty thriller that draws you into its shadowy depths.
While it requires a touch of patience to navigate its deliberately unhurried pace, those who persevere will find themselves rewarded with a narrative that unravels in unexpected ways.
In "Magpie,"
Daisy Ridley ("Young Woman and the Sea") delivers a captivating performance as Anette, a young, attractive married woman who lives in a quaint home in the countryside with her husband, Ben (Shazad Latif, TV's "Nautilus"), their adorable little girl Matilda (an impressive debut by Hiba Ahmed) and their newborn baby.
From the outset, the film expertly sets a tone of quiet unease. While Anette and Ben are devoted parents, a palpable tension simmers beneath the surface, hinting at deeper fractures in their relationship.
As Ben, a struggling writer, grapples with the demands of family life, the strain becomes evident. Their once-happy home is now filled with unspoken frustrations, exacerbated by the arrival of their new baby. Everything changes when Matilda nails an audition for a role in a historical movie alongside the glamorous Italian actress Alicia (Matilda Lutz, "Helen's Dead").
Ben's daily trips to the movie set, initially innocent, lead him into a world filled with temptation. Although he meets the charming Alicia without any immediate sparks, it's clear that their interactions ignite a dormant attraction. Even young Matilda senses her father's growing fascination with Alicia, which further complicates the family dynamic. When Ben and Matilda share with Anette tales of their days on set, everything seems normal—until it isn't.
As the days progress, Anette becomes increasingly aware of Ben's growing obsession. She catches him watching risqué videos of Alicia, pleasuring himself in the shower, and even notices his emotional withdrawal. A creeping suspicion turns into a full-blown paranoia as she wonders if he's cheating on her. Though there is no overt infidelity yet, Ben finds himself ensnared by innocent exchanges with Alicia and the allure of a life that appears more exciting than his own.
But don’t underestimate Anette. As tension escalates, she reveals herself to be a complex character, and not willing to be sidelined in her own life.
Ridley's performance is nothing short of sensational. It captures the emotional turmoil of a woman pushed to her limits.
I won't spoil the intricacies of how she entraps Ben. Suffice it to say, screenwriter Tom Bateman pulls off a clever twist that sends Ben's life spiraling into chaos.
"Magpie" takes bold turns and is a fascinating exploration of betrayal, desire, and revenge. Prepare to be wowed.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"MAGPIE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Critics Choice Association, The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.