Daisy Ridley shines bright as she takes on the complex role of Anette in Magpie, the new psychological thriller directed by Sam Yates and co-written by Tom Bateman. The film, which premiered on digital platforms on November 11, explores the murky waters of toxic relationships as Ridley portrays a new mother juggling her responsibilities and the challenges of her marriage to the emotionally distant Ben (Shazad Latif).
Magpie begins with Anette’s life immediately hitting rough waters. Ben, disinterested and downright unpleasant, provides little to no support. It's apparent from the outset; he's not just struggling with his own demons but is also projecting his frustrations onto Anette, who’s left nursing both her baby and her wounded psyche. Who hasn’t felt the weight of someone else’s discontent weighing down their own happiness? You can almost hear the tension thickening the air within their home; it’s palpable and unsettling.
Latif's character is intentionally gruff and unsympathetic right from the start. Though he aspires to be successful, Ben's inability to get his act together leaves Anette tiptoeing around his fragile masculinity and ego, which never fails to crack under the slightest pressure. This creates uncomfortable tension, as viewers might feel compelled to root for Anette’s liberation, yet they’re caught watching the destructive ripple effects of Ben's toxic behavior. It raises the question: how does someone so dislikable remain bound to another? Ridley’s Anette doesn’t appear to have the answer either.
While Ben's character is dismal, Ridley’s performance as Anette is the film's anchor. She masterfully captures the nuances of motherhood entwined with self-doubt and desperation. This complexity makes her character relatable, even as she navigates around Ben’s various outbursts. The film captures how Anette rolls her eyes internally, how her patience wears thin, and how it’s not just about surviving the day-to-day but seeking to rediscover herself.
Here, Yates’s direction plays a key role, allowing Ridley to embody the emotional turmoil without resorting to melodrama. Anette expresses herself through fleeting smiles for her children and refrains from lashing out, displaying her restraint against the backdrop of Ben's aggression. The true brilliance lies in how Ridley balances vulnerability and strength, making Anette neither the victim nor overly empowered warrior. Instead, she is the everywoman caught amid circumstances, raising emotional stakes as she pulls viewers to her side.
Much of the film hinges on the arrival of Tilly, their talented daughter played by Hiba Ahmed. Tilly’s casting as a film star introduces additional chaos and conflict within the family. Ben's encounter with the attractive actress, intertwined with the job, becomes the catalyst for his infidelity, adding layers of betrayal to an already strained marriage. Yet, this brings its own sense of predictability to the narrative, upon which viewers may feel frustrated after spotting the early signs of trouble.
Although the film has its thrilling moments, it often steers away from pushing the envelope. It keeps the overall conflict engaging, but it teeters on the edge of predictability, falling flat at times with its pacing. The tension between characters builds but sometimes lacks the momentum or unexpected twists traditional thriller enthusiasts crave. For all its gripping themes, one might find itself expecting more—from plot development to character depth, there’s room for improvement.
Still, Ridley’s performance stands out, offering the audience something deeply personal to grasp. She brings humanity to Anette as viewers witness her despair, rage, and longing reflected on screen. The actress’s talent captures fleeting expressions of hope and disappointment, making her character’s arc feel real and relatable. It begs viewers to ponder; how much longer can Anette endure? Is she destined to repeatedly dance around Ben’s faults without seeking her own fulfillment?
But the resolution neatly wraps up Ben’s narrative arc, leaving viewers with the satisfying thought of her triumph or at least her chance to reclaim her life. Whether this closure translates to actual healing for Anette remains uncertain, but for fans of Ridley or those drawn to tales of complex relationships, Magpie delivers moments worth watching. It allows audiences to ponder the broader statements about domestic life, parenthood, and self-identity among relationships.
Although Magpie might not break new ground within the thriller genre, it promises to keep viewers engaged with its rich performances. Those seeking thrills may find it skims on the surface, but Ridley’s portrayal alone justifies tuning in. An enjoyable exploration of personal strife, it combines emotional depth with relatable moments. For some, it’s worth it to see where Ridley’s career can lead post-Star Wars, reminding us anew of her versatility and depth as an actress.
To sum it up, Magpie captures the essence of toxic relationships—the pain, the endurance, and the turmoil. With the film being available on digital platforms, audiences eager to see Ridley flexing her acting chops should find just what they’re hoping for.
