The Mind-Bending Finale of Last Night in Soho Unveiled: Unraveling the Twists and Turns

After successfully creating and helming a string of highly acclaimed films such as Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End, and Baby Driver, director Edgar Wright graced audiences with his latest masterpiece, Last Night In Soho in 2021. The film features the talents of Thomas McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy, portraying two young women brought together by enigmatic circumstances in the vibrant backdrop of London. With Wright leading the helm as director and co-writer alongside Krysty Wilson-Cairns, Last Night In Soho has garnered attention from both viewers and critics alike, who acknowledge its imperfections. However, at its core, the film offers an engaging and trendy experience, exploring significant themes of ambition and sexism.

From the captivating opening sequence to its somewhat divisive conclusion, Last Night In Soho consistently exudes style and refuses to bore its audience. As the storyline unravels, viewers are left wondering what fate awaits the characters within this mesmerizing tale.

What Is Last Night In Soho About?

Edgar Wright's Cornetto trilogy has captured the hearts of fans everywhere. However, his 2021 thriller Last Night In Soho takes a different direction, making it all the more intriguing. The film follows the journey of Eloise Turner, a young and ambitious fashion designer in London, also known as Ellie. Leaving her grandmother's house behind, Ellie sets out to pursue her dreams in the fashion industry. Despite her apprehension towards the bustling city, Ellie decides to rent a room in a building owned by the enigmatic Ms. Collins.

It is when Ellie witnesses flickering lights outside her bedroom window at night that she finds herself transported into a mysterious and haunting dream world. This parallel universe takes her back in time to the vibrant 1960s where she encounters Sandie, portrayed by the talented Anya Taylor-Joy, a young woman with aspirations of becoming a singer. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that things are not as they initially appear.

Last Night In Soho stands as one of Anya Taylor-Joy's standout performances, showcasing her unparalleled ability to embody a character that is both enigmatic and captivating, while also emanating a sense of vulnerability.

How Does Last Night In Soho End?

Sandie is subjected to terrible treatment from the men in her life, a distressing reality that Ellie becomes aware of. Sandie's inability to attain her desires is truly heartbreaking. Among the detestable characters, Jack (portrayed by Matt Smith) stands as the worst, cunningly masking his true nature behind an illusion of kindness and charm, yet ultimately revealing himself to be as monstrous as the rest.

In the mesmerizing finale of Last Night In Soho, a shocking revelation awaits Ellie. She discovers that Sandie, the courageous soul who took revenge on the men responsible for her torment, paid the ultimate price for her actions. Overwhelmed by the weight of the haunting encounter, Ellie retreats to her bedroom, wrestling with her conscience. Refusing to aid the lingering spirits of the deceased assailants, she grapples with conflicting emotions and questions about justice.

Further unfolding the enigmatic tale, Ellie stumbles upon a startling truth: Ms. Collins, the enigmatic figure she once encountered, is none other than an older version of Sandie. As this revelation dawns, Sandie/Ms. Collins faces the ominous threat of arrest, adding another layer of tension to the already gripping narrative. In a heart-rending plea, Ellie implores Sandie not to succumb to the depths of despair and take her own life.

Amidst the mounting turmoil, tragedy strikes with devastating force. The once-serene apartment complex becomes a blazing inferno, engulfing Sandie in its fiery grasp. Her valiant spirit succumbs to the relentless flames, leaving behind a profound sense of loss and injustice. As the embers fade, the haunting echoes of Last Night In Soho linger, forever etching the story of Sandie, Ellie, and the fateful interconnectedness of their lives.

Last Night In Soho offers a captivating twist on time travel, departing from the conventional use of machines. Instead, Ellie experiences a peculiar fever dream every night, adding a fresh perspective to the concept. Although there are moments where the familiarity becomes a tad excessive, it largely serves as a unique and captivating portrayal of Ellie's journey towards self-discovery and growth.

Throughout the film, Ellie finds solace in her passion for design, receiving unwavering support from her devoted family. Eventually, she manages to overcome the challenges she faces, allowing her to fully embrace her dreams. However, as she stands before the mirror, a reflective moment takes her by surprise; the figures of Sandie and Ellie's mother stare back at her. This unexpected encounter serves as a beautiful reminder of the invaluable lessons imparted by these influential women, leaving Ellie feeling prepared and eager for what lies ahead.

Why Was Last Night In Soho's Ending Controversial?

The ending of Last Night In Soho sparked controversy as Sandie took matters into her own hands, murdering the men who had mistreated her in a deplorable and sexist manner. Opinions were divided on whether this was the right direction for the film to take. Nevertheless, many see this unexpected turn of events as a vital plot twist that enriched the overall movie experience.

During an interview with IndieWire, Krysty Wilson-Cairns, co-writer of Last Night In Soho, expressed her belief that the ending was effective. She explained, "The original twist was always present, and it served as the cornerstone of female empowerment for me. I had never encountered a villain quite like her before. While I may not agree with her actions, I found myself empathizing with her motivations. This pivotal element truly captivated me. Without this twist, my interest in the film may have waned."

The ending of Last Night In Soho is both polarizing and memorable, leaving audiences with a sense of lingering impact. As the film reaches its climactic conclusion, there is an undeniable need for a final confrontation between Ellie and Sandie. Sandie can be interpreted as a symbol of Ellie's aspirations, embodying strength, confidence, and the pursuit of dreams. Through this lens, Last Night In Soho becomes a captivating exploration of youth and ambition.