Trailer Review: Stoker (2013)

Stoker is the latest film from Korean director Park Chan-wook. The director is well known for his dark, brutal Vengeance trilogy and this new psychological thriller shows promise. Mia Wasikowska stars as India Stoker, an eighteen year old living with her mother, Evelyn ‘Evie’ Stoker (Nicole Kidman) in a woodsy family estate. India’s relationship with her mother is not good and she is trying to come to terms with her father’s recent death in a car accident. At the funeral she is introduced to her mysterious uncle Charlie (played by Matthew Goode.) Charlie is a smooth character but there is something strange and sinister about him. He seduces Evelyn and India is slowly drawn to him too. Unfortunately Charlie seems to have homicidal tendencies and both women are implicated in his shady actions. A spider is shown a few times during the trailer which could be symbolic of Charlie luring the two women into his web.

Stoker has a dark tone that is familiar to fans of Park’s earlier work. However it doesn’t look as if it will push boundaries like the Vengeance trilogy did. The movie also looks less shocking and extreme than Park’s earlier movies which is interesting. The acting cast is good as Nicole Kidman is a reliable actress and Mia Wasikowska gave good performances in movies like Lawless. Mia is one of those rising stars that should do well in Hollywood. Matthew Goode looks great as Charlie and he appears both charming and sinister at the same time. Comic book movie fans may remember him as Ozymandias from Zack Snyder’s Watchmen. Dermot Mulroney plays India’s father Richard and Jacki Weaver also stars as Aunt Gwendolyn ‘Gin’ Stoker. Weaver was superb as Bradley Cooper’s long suffering mother in Silver Linings Playbook.

The movie also has a nice score provided by the composer Clint Mansell who has produced amazing work for movies like Black Swan and The Wrestler. Wentworth Miller of Prison Break fame co-wrote the script which is also surprising and a nice opportunity for the young actor.

Hopefully Stoker will have some nice edge of the seat suspense and tension when it is released on March 1st.

Have a look at the trailer and share your thoughts.