At first glance, The Beguiled may seem like period movie about women versus man. Described as an “atmospheric thriller,” director Sofia Coppola puts a new spin on the original movie of the same name, which initially starred Clint Eastwood. Her version is a study of feelings, emotions, and mostly what is unsaid. It’s a movie you need to absorb in it’s entirety and small nuances to fully appreciate.
A strong female cast
A strong cast, each with lengthy credits of their own, The Beguiled is lead by fan-favorite Nicole Kidman. She carries herself with the same grace and presence as her role in Big Little Lies (which I loved), but with an even more authoritative role, as Martha Farnsorth, the headmaster of the school she runs, Miss Martha Farnsworth’s School for Girls. Her “keeping-it-all together” attitude keeps the house in check and the girls alive. Despite the situation they are in (the middle of the Civil War), she cares for the girls (and women) in a strict, no-nonsense motherly role. She takes each situation thrown at her in stride, while keeping the “good of the community” in mind despite her own desires. Her responses during conversations with Colin Ferrell’s character are quote-worthy and her facial expressions are golden.
Kirsten Dunst plays Edwina Dabney, the assistant teacher of the school. Her character lacks of emotion for her job and isn’t fully connected to any of the other women. She is the most welcoming of the handsome stranger’s appearance, yet keeps her enthusiasm to herself. It’s a very relatable feeling, which she does an excellent job of portraying. Kirsten Dunst has a long relationship working with Sofia Coppola, who first worked with her in The Virgin Suicides.
Elle Fanning is perfect for her role as Alicia, whose constant coy looks to Colin Ferrell’s character kept the audience amused.
Oona Lawrence was such a stand-out talent in Bad Moms, I was happy to see her in this movie doing the same. She is labeled as “the curious one,” who loves animals and all living things.
Angourie Rice plays Jane, who has a hard time handling her emotions.
Emma Howard is one of the younger girls (along with Angourie, Addison, and Oona), who also surprises us with her desire appeal to the handsome soldier, played by Colin Ferrell. She and Oona sing in the film and it’s beautiful.
Addison Ricke is 13 years old and does an excellent job in this dramatic role. She is small but mighty and has fantastic screen presence.
#VengefulBitches
Without ruining the film for you, one of the assigned hastags to the film, #VengefulBitches, is said in the movie (and it’s kind of glorious when it is). Although set in the 1800s, the dynamic changes in attitude of the women and girls when the wounded (and strikingly handsome) soldier played by Colin Ferrell appears isn’t far from reality, no matter what the time frame. The spin Sofia Coppola puts on it, which reflects modern times and how we are #strongertogether is what makes this movie satisfying.
Interesting Fact about the movie
The Beguiled takes place in Virginia, but the exterior scenes were shot in the same plantation where Beyoncé shot her video for Lemonade – National Historic Madewood Plantation House located in Bayou Lafourche south of Napoleonville, Louisiana. (Interior scenes were filmed in the New Orleans home of actress Jennifer Coolidge.)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BM8JGwnAQ3N/?taken-by=ellefanning
Red Carpet Interviews
Photos from the Red Carpet and After Party
The Beguiled
The Beguiled is an atmospheric thriller from acclaimed writer/director Sofia Coppola.
The story unfolds during the Civil War, at a Southern girls’ boarding school. Its sheltered young women take in an injured enemy soldier. As they provide refuge and tend to his wounds, the house is taken over with sexual tension and dangerous rivalries, and taboos are broken in an unexpected turn of events.
For more info, please follow the film on social:
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#TheBeguiled #VengefulBitches
Thank you to Focus Features for inviting Westside Mommy to this special event. No monetary compensation was made for this post. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.
