Daisy Ridley is stepping confidently back onto the cinematic stage with her new film, Magpie, which she not only stars in but also produced. Directed by Sam Yates, Magpie is described as a gripping neo-noir film, and it dives deep and darkly examines the tumultuous relationship between its lead characters, Annette and Ben—played by Ridley and Shazad Latif, respectively. What makes this project so particularly special is its origins; the film was conceived by Ridley and written by her husband, Tom Bateman, marking their first collaboration on screen as partners.
During promotional events leading up to the film's release, Ridley shared insights about the intense emotional landscapes both she and Bateman explored during the writing of the film. Their personal touch shines through their characters' struggles, set against the backdrop of Hollywood's glitz. According to Ridley, she actively participated throughout the creative process, enabling her to see how their collective vision gradually came to life. “Because I was so part of it all, I was really seeing it sort of come together in real time, and I knew what Tom was writing was great,” she stated, emphasizing their team effort.
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Bateman's writing dives headfirstinto the couple's fraying marriage, touching on themes of infidelity and emotional turmoil. The film follows the couple's parental experience when their daughter, Matilda, portrayed by Hiba Ahmed, lands a role alongside sultry Italian actress Alicia, played by Matilda Lutz. Things spiral when Ben becomes infatuated with Alicia, creating rifts and bringing to light unsettling truths within their household.
The texture of emotions within this film is rich and demanding. Ridley remarked on the intriguing juxtaposition of how the last act plays out, hinting, “Much of the payoff of act three is how the rest of the film is shot and how everything is captured.” She notes the psychological depth portrayed through her character’s experience, bringing forth the essence of suffocation and claustrophobia inherent in being trapped by one’s own life choices.
Pursuing her passion for storytelling and artistry, Ridley felt the absence of her husband on set contributed positively to her performance and the overall atmosphere. "He was able to watch the dailies and actually give feedback as someone who wasn’t there,” she mentioned, explaining how this separation allowed her to be uninhibited, delivering authenticity without self-imposed restraints. Ridley reflected, “I think I would have felt a little inhibited” had he been present on set.
The film itself is shot with what Ridley describes as ‘a suffocative nature,’ aligning perfectly with the film's dark themes. Yates directed with assurance as he sought to render the emotional realism required for the cast to fully embody their characters. He revealed his focus on illustrating Ben's character, describing him as someone desperately chasing fulfillment outside of home, and how this singular pursuit impacts the narrative. Shazad Latif's portrayal of Ben is particularly telling as it walks the thin line between sympathy and contempt.
Stepping back, Yates elaborated on how effective storytelling often hinges on realistically flawed characters who pursue their own interests, even at the expense of those they claim to love. “Nobody on earth who does bad stuff thinks, I’m a bad person. They’re acting in their own interest,” he said, underpinning the moral consideration he took with Ben's character.
Filming Magpie, which spans just under 90 minutes, proved both challenging and rewarding as the layers of complex relationships unfurled. Audiences can expect to unravel these narratives alongside the characters, making for what critics have already expressed admiration for, particularly praising its pacing and gripping final act. Yates's vision breathes life through every frame, carefully marking the psychological shifts and intimate moments.
On the artistic side of things, music plays a significant role throughout Magpie. Yates chose licensed music strategically to inform the film's atmosphere and support its directional tone. Ridley mentioned feeling excited to see how this enhances pivotal sequences, serving as both backdrop and emotional cue for what transpires on screen.
Aside from Magpie, 2024 has been monumental for Ridley. Following her involvement with critically acclaimed projects like Sometimes I Think About Dying and Young Woman and the Sea, Magpie is her chance to shift gears entirely, blending personal endeavors with professional aspirations. She continues to forge her path, cultivating roles with depth and character, proving her range as both actress and producer.
The collaboration between Ridley and Bateman showcases the raw energy of their relationship woven intricately through their characters’ arcs. Their investment not only highlights the emotional stakes but brings to light the intricacies of personal relationships developed through their creative partnership. Magpie serves as both art and reflection, posing questions about love, fidelity, and the nature of commitment.
With its anticipated release set for October 25, 2024, Magpie is sure to resonate with those who have shared or witnessed similar struggles, tapping deep emotional currents as it navigates the often treacherous waters of love gone wrong. “Hearing people’s responses to the last 20 minutes of the film is fantastic,” Ridley expressed optimism about the audience's reception. Both she and Yates are eager to share not just the film, but the heartfelt process behind its making, indicating this is not just another project; it’s personal.
