Odysessy Movie Review: The Beguiled
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Odysessy Movie Review: The Beguiled

The daughters of the confederacy have a problem

869
Odysessy Movie Review: The Beguiled
Focus Features Pictures

The Beguiled has promise with a strong story to tell. Unfortunately, it's too wrapped up in Sofia Coppola's naïveté and hubris to be anything more. It's sad really. What she thinks is feminism shows how desperate, dependent, and fragile white women can be. She doesn't do this on purpose. She is simply unaware of the message her movies have given. With her previous films, there is a bit of subtlety, but The Beguiled is so bloated and in your face about the helplessness of rich people-- set at a Virginia seminary for girls--that the film is liable to give you gas pains. One thing the movie does have going for itself is the unrelenting performances by Nicole Kidman. It's so good to have the old Nicole "ice queen" Kidman back in action. If anything, the film is worth it JUST to see her regain her groove.

Kidman plays Miss Martha, the head of a school for girls right at the peak of the Civil War. Farrell’s Corporal McBurney is discovered by one of the young girls who finds him severely wounded and hiding from Confederate and Union soldiers. As soon as he crosses the threshold of the school, it turns into the real housewives of the Confederacy as the inhabitants begin to lie, cheat, and throw one another under the bus just to get some personal time with Mr. Mcburney. But Mcburney isn't the charmer he appears to be. What is he hiding? He uses the vulnerability of the women and girls against them and they don't realize it. He's a danger to their mini-society.

The antebellum south is romanticized by films like Gone with the Wind. Understandably so, it's a cinematic paradise. The dreamy landscapes are seductive, so it's easy to get caught up in the beauty of all. But along with that, people forget this aesthetic represents a place of war and oppression. This is an aspect Sofia Coppola doesn't give a damn about. It made me wonder why this remake is set in an era where most of the essential elements of the time period are ignored.

Despite all of that, Nicole Kidman steals the show from her younger counterparts. Kidman encountered what seems like a long dry spell after her Oscar win for The Hours, but with her performance in the HBO miniseries Big Little Lies, and then with her performance in The Beguiled, I'd say she's back in action. I look forward to seeing stronger roles from her.

Overall, the film doesn't offer deep story telling. It played out more like a soap opera than anything else. That does not make for good cinema.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

5 Different Religions And Their Unique Christmas Celebrations

From Hanukkah Lights to Nativity Scenes: 5 Faiths' Unique Takes on the Christmas Spirit

54108
Christmas traditions

The Holidays are a time for being with friends and family and celebrating the birth of Christ, but sometimes we forget to acknowledge the other religions and what they celebrate. Some religions like the Islam do not even celebrate Christmas and then you have others, the Buddhists, who use the holiday to practice their religion of spreading peace and goodwill. In no particular order, I would like to demonstrate a little culture about the ways Christmas is celebrated or is not celebrated throughout five different religions.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

12 Reasons Why I Love Christmas

What's Not To Love? But These Reasons Are Why Christmas Is Best

36136
Young woman with open arms enjoying the snow on a street decorated with Christmas lights.
Pixabay

There are so many reasons why I love the Christmas time! Check out the joy that makes this time of year truly special, from festive traditions to heartwarming moments. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

A Beginner's Wine Appreciation Course

While I most certainly do not know everything, I feel like I know more than the average 21-year-old about vino, so I wrote this beginner's wine appreciate course to help YOU navigate the wine world and drink like a pro.

8022
White wine being poured into a glass
Pexels


Keep Reading...Show less
Types of ice cream

Who doesn't love ice cream? People from all over the world enjoy the frozen dessert, but different countries have their own twists on the classic treat.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

100 Reasons to Choose Happiness

Happy Moments to Brighten Your Day!

43157
A man with a white beard and mustache wearing a hat

As any other person on this planet, it sometimes can be hard to find the good in things. However, as I have always tried my hardest to find happiness in any and every moment and just generally always try to find the best in every situation, I have realized that your own happiness is much more important than people often think. Finding the good in any situation can help you to find happiness in some of the simplest and unexpected places.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments