In the world of Medusa Deluxe, hairstyling competitions are intense battlegrounds where beauticians showcase their skills and artistic vision. Thomas Hardiman’s directorial debut takes us into the cutthroat world of these talented individuals, where scissors become weapons and hairsprays are like pistols. The opening scene sets the stage with tension as one stylist exclaims, “I’m in the middle of a Georgian fontange, you can’t just walk away from that shit.” However, the competition takes a dark turn when one of the stylists, Mosca, is found dead, leading to a temporary lockdown and heightening suspicions among the remaining participants.
The atmosphere within the dressing room is thick with suspicion as the stylists grapple with the shocking death of their colleague. Cleve, played by the exceptional Clare Perkins, stands out with her barbed and steely delivery. She suspects foul play and believes the dead stylist, who happened to be her rival, is an idiot. As tensions run high, Divine, played by Kayla Meikle, adds texture to Cleve’s monologues with amusing ad-libs, creating an engaging dynamic between the two characters.
Medusa Deluxe is a formal feat disguised as a murder mystery. The film is shot in a continuous take, with the camera becoming a wily interlocutor. It seamlessly follows the characters through halls and rooms, capturing their conversations and interactions. This continuous shot technique adds to the sense of tension and keeps the viewers engaged as they navigate through the maze of suspects and alliances.
Hardiman’s screenplay starts off strong, introducing Cleve as the driving force behind the action. Perkins delivers a memorable performance, infusing humor into her character’s prickliness while maintaining an air of mystery. The rest of the cast also shines, bringing life to the strange and disquieting world of beauticians who see hairstyling as a profound and almost holy craft.
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As the story unfolds, the camera takes us on a journey with Angie, played by Lilit Lesser, as she takes a break from Cleve’s styling. We witness the interactions between the models and the stylists, each conversation adding a new layer of anxiety and suspicion. The meticulous styling of the models’ hair, done by Scarlett O’Connell, serves as a symbol of the beauticians’ perfectionism and expertise.
For a while, Medusa Deluxe is a nerve-wracking and suspenseful experience. Hardiman skillfully ratchets up the tension, leaving the audience questioning everyone’s alibis and motivations. However, as the film approaches its conclusion, an oddly deflating mood sets in. The continuous shot and the focus on the formal experiment begin to overshadow the characters and their story. The narratives start to feel repetitive, and the film loses some of its initial impact.
Despite this slight dip in momentum, Hardiman’s direction is still commendable. The transitions and handoffs between characters remain clever and sleek, and the overall experience is mesmerizing. Medusa Deluxe allows us to witness Hardiman’s own artistic creation, much like the hairstyling competition within the film. The film may not stick the landing completely, but it leaves us intrigued and wanting more.
In terms of the cast and crew, Medusa Deluxe boasts an impressive lineup. Luke Pasqualino, Lilit Lesser, Clare Perkins, Kayla Meikle, Debris Stevenson, Heider Ali, and many others deliver stellar performances, breathing life into the complex and intriguing characters. The production companies involved, including BBC Film and the British Film Institute, contribute to the film’s overall high production value.
Medusa Deluxe offers a unique viewing experience, combining elements of a murder mystery with a formal experiment in continuous shot filmmaking. It may not be a flawless execution, but it showcases the talent of Thomas Hardiman as a director and storyteller. With its captivating characters and suspenseful narrative, Medusa Deluxe is a film that keeps you on your toes until the very end.
