"Just as a flower does not choose its color, we are not responsible for what we have come to be.
Only once you realize this do you become free, and to become adult is to become free."
- Director: Chan-wook Park
- Writer: Wentworth Miller
- Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode. See full cast members here.
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Rating: Contains violence and blood. Some making out sessions, nudity and masturbation.
SYNOPSIS
India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) never knew she had an uncle, Charles Stoker (Matthew Goode), until her father died. The uncle appears to be charming but India suspects that he has ulterior motives.
Premiering at Sundance in January 2013, Stoker certainly has an obvious indie vibe to it which is not a complain for me because I sort of love indie movies. Well, actually I love all genres of movies but most indie movies are beautifully filmed and thought provoking. Stoker are both of those. I love the cinematography and by watching, I can tell that the people working on this film are hardworking and meticulous. The scenes are shot and edited to be morbidly artsy.
However, the main attraction is not in the cinematography. Yes, the movie is gorgeous but the story and acting are the main reasons I love this movie.
The story is dark and might not be for everyone. I was overly excited to learn that the screenplay is written by Captain Cold - Wentworth Miller and it is also his first work as a writer. The plot starts slow but not boring because of the weird or freaky personality of the main character, India. Things get more interesting when Charlie's real nature that has been hidden underneath his handsome and charming appearance is revealed. Then the story keeps giving and giving as more and more plot twists surfaces. Seriously, the story is darkly engaging.
I adore Mia Wasikowska's performance as India so much because she is able to portray so many moods and emotions. She is perfectly casted as the lead actress because she looks rather innocent but at the same time sexy enough to arouse sexual tension in some of the key scenes. Nicole Kidman is also awesome as India's broken and troubled mother and Matthew Goode does good as the charming yet creepy uncle.
All and all, the combination of the three main elements - awesome artsy editing and shots, dark yet engaging story and impeccable acting - makes Stoker one of the must see movies. Without any of the elements, the movie would probably fall flat.
4 out of 5 stars.
