universzero’s review published on Letterboxd:
Slightly Hidden Horror Gems #107
"You interrupted her, Charlie."
The Stylist reminds me why most horror films have a hyperbolic premise. It is genuinely rough to watch two hours of someone realistically suffering emotionally in identifiable ways punctuated by moments of gore that are precise and naturalistic.
However, this film was so compelling and hypnotic and the lead has such an interesting presence that it did not really matter, and I felt horror and dread and weird compassion. It's not easy to engage with that emotional blend. But when I think of what it means to be horrified–not fun-horror but horror–it's more often in a film like this: part psychological horror part tragedy.
I remember exactly when I first felt sort of a happy-slasher-fun feeling. It was 37 minutes in, and the protagonist is standing looking through a window. Watching her expression change in the reflection, it was the first time I thought I understood her.
The lead here is outstanding. Her commitment to her role is wonderful to watch. It was a bit weird for me, because she looks genuinely identical to a girl I dated so... good and bad memories plus weird compulsions and violence? Honestly pretty accurate. As for the cinematography, I love neon horror, and this film pulls that off without it being distracting.
This film, I have to say, does get really fun. The second half is great. And it made me feel genuine horror and disgust without fear and with an uncomfortable empathy, and this is an interesting emotional mix.
The Stylist is totally worth your time, but also I think a lot of people will for very good reason not enjoy this. I very much recommend it, but it is one dark as fuck weird film, and unless you get into the psychological aspects, there's very little action, so some people would reasonably not like this. Give it a shot. If you like the opening scene, stick with it.
