WiHM Special - The Stylist (2021) by Jill Gevargizian


Director: Jill Gevargizian
Year: 2021
Country: USA
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Psychological Thriller

Plot:
After visiting a friend, a hair-stylist gradually becomes invested in her life as the day to her friends’ wedding approaches, but that also signals the start of a descent into madness that pushes her towards the brink of insanity as she carries out a struggle to keep the murderous instincts hidden within.

Review:

There’s quite a lot to like with this one. Among the finest aspects featured here is the whole idea of the exploration into her psychosis which is quite well-developed throughout here. Initially getting an idea about who she is and what she’s capable of with the opening shot of the murder taking place and resulting scalping of the victim that gives us an idea of her madness, the rest of the first half goes through a lot of impressive work to show her struggling to keep it together. Socially awkward except around her clients, hesitant to be around her more outgoing friend but being a good sport while trying to keep the voices in her head in check and being visibly uncomfortable being around the loud and vivacious gang all gives this a great idea of how her ongoing mental issues threaten to keep bubbling to the surface the longer she’s around her and her friends.

That carries over into the utter brutality present in the kills once we see her finally snap. The first victim is scalped in grand fashion and turned into a signature wig later on, while a second victim is shown to be stalked, kidnapped and dispatched in even more graphic fashion as it gets incredibly vicious at times. Even later staking scenes come off even more brutal as the subdued gore effects are quite impressive overall and generate plenty of enjoyable gore as the whole concept of her snapping at times of great stress and frustration is capably handled. Given how all of this occurs as a result of her psychological mishaps, the end result is quite enjoyable overall and makes for a highly enjoyable effort.

There isn’t much to be had here that really knocks it down. The main issue some might have with this one is the psychological approach present might not generate the swiftest pace for everyone involved. Since we’re waiting around for something to happen that will cause her to snap, it takes on a far more languid pace and tempo than most would be comfortable with and as a result might make it feel somewhat overlong for its own good as well. This one probably could’ve used a slight trim as it does get a little longer than it needs to be even though the end result is still a highly enjoyable and watchable genre effort for the most part. Coupled with a surprisingly obvious yet no less confusing finale that doesn’t make any sense, these are what hold this one back.


Overview: ****/5
An impressive and highly enjoyable psychological genre effort that might be a tad too long and slow-going for some, these are nowhere near enough to drag down the rest of this one considering all the other positives featured here. Give this one a look if you’re a fan of the previous short installment, a fan of this kind of psychological-tinged thriller or just curious while those who aren’t into this approach should heed caution.


This review ran as part of our Women in Horror Month celebrations. Click the banner below to check out all of our reviews and interviews about the occasion:

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