A few weeks ago I had the honor of traveling to Beverly Hills California to screen Sofia Coppola’s newest film The Beguiled. The original The Beguiled film debuted in 1971 starring the young Clint Eastwood and Geraldine Page giving a males point of view. Sofia Coppola saw this film and thought, wow I would love to tell this story my own way and thus we have this powerhouse of women film that will surely entice you to see it again and again.
Sofia took great care in telling this story from a woman’s point of view in the late 1800’s, starring 7 women living under one roof. The time frame is during the civil war which you will hear the many thumps of canon’s being shot off in the near distance throughout the movie. The setting of this story is in Virginia where a lone house stands with a garden and lots of land.
Beguiled star’s the lovely Kirsten Dunst, Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Oona Laurence, Angourie Rice, Addison Riecke, Emma Howard. Written by Sofia Coppola, based on the novel by Thomas Cullinan and the screenplay by Albert Maltz and Grimes Grice.
Full Trailer Below
World-premiering at the 2017 Cannes International Film Festival. “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.
My Thoughts
Sofia Coppola did an amazing job at showing a relatable point of view from what it would be like to live in the 1860’s during the civil war. To live in an all girl home and then to have an attractive male thrown into the mix means there is bound to be Chemistry involved. Whether the chemistry is good or bad this film was an edge of your seat wonderful adventure. During the film, you will feel as though you took a trip back in time and are in Virginia where in the near distance you can hear canon’s go off as if it is a normal occurrence.
I feel as though from the start of the movie all the way to the end credits this film definitely left an impression on me. These women are so proper and learning how to be prepared for life outside of the house when they become of age and are ready to adventure into the world. Even though there is a war going on in the background their lesson’s don’t stop and their etiquette is expected to shine through the grim reality going on around them.
Kristen Dunst was a mysterious young woman that wanted nothing more than to escape the drab life she seemed to be stuck in. Although she seems very intrigued with this enemy soldier you can tell she’s hopeful that the butterflies in her stomach will lead to more than cordial interactions. Kristen did a beautiful job bringing her character to life showcasing how even though we as women have to learn to control our emotions in all situations, we always have the ability to make those decisions for the betterment of the ones we love around us. Bravo Kristen as always I love your work!
Colin Farrell was officially the enemy you just love to hate, this attractive soldier stumbled upon a house full of women, might I add beautiful women. I kept trying to imagine what it would be like to be a man in his position and to have “suffered” the wrath of these women. I won’t spoil it for you but I will tell you I did feel a little bit sorry for his character at one point. To be honest, me feeling sorry for him only lasted for about 5 seconds, so make sure you see the movie so you can catch why I said that.
Nicole Kidman is the gorgeous headmistress who always has a level head in all matters, could it be her experiences in life that made her this way or is it in her nature to be such a strong woman? Whatever the case may be Nicole displayed a remarkable character that doesn’t take (crap) from anyone, even though she did succumb to the attractive enemy soldier at one point, I feel as though her character displayed great sympathy at many points of the movie. By the way, if you haven’t already seen the trailer with her iconic smirk at the end, make sure your eyes are peeled and you catch it during the movie. It was so perfect It will give you the chills and cheer once you see this scene.
Elle Fanning is that lazy girl you know is always down to have a good time, but when it comes to doing work she is the worst person you could call upon to help you. I couldn’t help but find myself frustrated with her character’s attitude, possibly because it reminded me of my stubborn 15 year old self. Bravo with your performance Elle Fanning, I loved seeing how your character reacted to all the situations and couldn’t help but laugh at how you participated in the garden chores given to you. Definitely a memorable character for me where I feel as though she was at times the comical relief to the grim reality she was living in.
Oona Laurence, Angourie Rice, Addison Riecke, Emma Howard were fantastic and playing young school girls with good intentions. Oona Laurence played a spunky girl who at times I felt struggled with fulfilling her good intentions as she battled the other women in the house who were at first opposed to helping the soldier. I loved who even though she was this little girl in the 1860’s she displayed some intuitive insight on how even though he was an enemy
I loved who even though she was this little girl in the 1860’s she displayed some intuitive insight on how even though he was an enemy soldier he deserved to be helped and brought back to good health. Although throughout the movie you will see how others had their own motives as to why they allowed the presence of the soldier you can tell Oona Laurence had her good intentions throughout the film, well until that fateful night. Watch the movie so you know what I’m referring to!
I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars, and cannot wait to see this with my mom, we both love period movies and I just know she will love it. I highly suggest you come prepared to laugh and also put on your stern girl power face as you go on this adventure with The Beguiled.
Will you be seeing this movie in theaters? If so who will you bring with you? Have you seen it already? What did you think? To find this film in a theater near your head over HERE and just enter your zip.
Check out This hilarious Girl’s Gone Wild Video of what it’s like for girls in the 1860’s to party it up!
Director: Sofia Coppola (“Lost in Translation,” “Somewhere”)
Writer: Sofia Coppola, based on the novel by Thomas Cullinan and the screenplay by Albert Maltz and Grimes Grice
Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, Oona Laurence, Angourie Rice, Addison Riecke, Emma Howard
MPAA Rating: R
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chauny says
Ok, So I was thinking about seeing this movie, and now I’m sure I’m going to see it. Thanks for the post. 🙂