STOKER

 STOKER Review

By Darin Skaggs

     If you have seen Park Chan-wook’s 2003 film Oldboy you know that it is a pretty crazy film.  It is a disturbing film including scenes with a squid, a hammer, a hallway and every revelation in the last half hour.  A decade later Park has made his English language debut with Stoker.

     Stoker is a film about a mom and daughter whose father has recently died in a tragic car accident.  The father’s brother then comes to live with the mother and daughter to help them cope with their recent loss.  It is apparent that the uncle is up to something and is not all he seems to be.  The film goes into some weird and dark places and Park, much like in Oldboy, creates a crazy and disturbing story.

     The film has great performances all around like the daughter India, played by Mia Wasikowska and the mother Evelyn played by Nichole Kidman.  Matthew Goode, who plays the uncle named Charles does great as well.  Even though the film has great performances it does not have a great story.  It is fascinating to watch while Park explores some dark themes but it is really hard to connect to the story and understand what is going on. 

     There are Oldboy like moments in the film that are totally crazy, but unlike Oldboy it does not add up.  Some of the actions that happen in the film are hard to put together to make sense of what these characters are exploring.  It does not seem that Park is being shocking for shock sake but he might not have fully planned out arcs for these people.

     The film has a great shooting style to it.  The way it ends is enjoyable to watch stylistically and several other touches to the film like the sound gets louder to things that shouldn’t be loud, almost to say that India focuses on certain noises but not others.

     The film is definitely interesting but not fully satisfying.  It is worth watching for the performances and the camera work.  It probably won’t leave your mind any time soon but won’t last with you emotionally.