MIRROR, MIRROR // A FILM REVIEW OF “ELECTRA”
BY MATEO MORENO
ELECTRA, the feature film debut of Hala Matar, is a modern take (remake isn’t quite the word) of the 1969 classic film La Piscine (The Swimming Pool) which followed rich people behaving badly. That’s the theme here as well, though it takes different twists and turns. Here, an American journalist named Dylan (Daryl Wein) and his photographer girlfriend Lucy (Abigail Cowen) are set to interview Milo (Jack Farthing), a modern-day rock star. During their lunch/interview, Milo’s performance artist girlfriend Francesca (Maria Bakalova) shows up and the foursome hit it off. So much so that Milo invites Dylan and Lucy to his country estate in Rome. Milo seems to think he’s found a soul to connect with, in an industry that is nearly impossible to connect. Yet, Dylan and Lucy aren’t exactly being honest about their intentions or even who they are. And as time begins to pass, the ruse begins to break apart around them, with Francesca suspicious but curious and Dylan accidentally letting too many inconstancies float to the top. What are the real intentions here? And who, exactly, is Electra?
Hala Matar makes a striking debut with Electra, one that is consistently intriguing and interesting to watch. It’s clear where Matar’s influences are; shades of The Talented Mr. Ripley and Fellini films abound and even more recent you can feel bits of Saltburn creep in. She adds intrigue and suspense into a very playful film. Though the subject matter steers into some very serious waters, Matar and the cast keep it playful and lively, steering clear from camp or an overabundance of corniness. The cast here are all strong, with Abigail Cowen and Maria Bakalova as the biggest standouts. Daryl Wein and Jack Farthing are also quite enjoyable to watch here, and while Wein’s real reasoning for doing what he’s doing might be figured out a bit too quickly, the reveal is still worth it and Jack Farthing has a full on rock-n-roll swagger that fits in perfectly with his “searching for something” rock singer. The location for the entire film, set at an Italian palazzo, becomes its own character altogether. It’s a beautiful background for the shenanigans that unfold before them. Matar also keeps the pacing tight, moving swiftly through scenes and drops enough clues to people’s real intentions without truly letting you know them (that is, until she’s good and ready to tell you them). The clothes are fabulous, and the setting is intoxicating throughout until the end. The final wrap up for me felt a bit too rushed and incomplete. However, the rest of Electra is a well-executed blast, paving a very sturdy road for Hala Matar into Hollywood.
GRADE: B+
WRITTEN BY Hala Matar, Daryl Wein DIRECTED BY Hala Matar STARRING Daryl Wein, Abigail Cowen, Jack Farthing, Maria Bakalova NOW STREAMING ON DEMAND