The cutthroat world of competitive hairstyling turns into an up-do whodunnit in writer/director Thomas Hardiman’s murder mystery, Medusa Deluxe. Set in contemporary England, the unthinkable happens backstage at a local hairdressing competition: a stylist is scalped. Once the body is discovered, what follows is a rupture of chaos and mayhem as friends and frenemies alike begin pointing their fingers at each other, proving that in this business, obsession breeds jealousy and talent can be deadly.
Medusa Deluxe, the feature film debut from Thomas Hardiman, is a stylish thrill romp that will have you mesmerized right from the jump. Shot entirely as a one-take (and pretty convincing at that), the film effortlessly weaves in and out of green rooms and intimate conversations, building insurmountable tension with every passing minute. Obvious comparisons include Birdman, which Medusa Deluxe seems to take inspiration from in its use of backstage maze-work and seamless transitions.
Perhaps not as easily digestible for the general population as Rian Johnson’s Knives Out, Medusa Deluxe is the arthouse answer to the stereotypical whodunnit. Using shears instead of knives, Thomas Hardiman crafts an edgy, pulpy murder mystery that is propelled by a trifecta of excellence: cast, craft, and vision.
The cast of mostly unknown actors all give emotionally engaging performances. Many actors recite monologues with the intonation of seasoned thespians, which gives a sense of weight and seriousness to an otherwise surreal circumstance. The ensemble cast includes Anita-Joy Uwajeh, Clare Perksins, Darrell D’Silva, Debris Stevenson, Harriet Webb, Heider Ali, Kae Alexander, Kayla Meikle, Lilit Lesser, Luke Pasqualino, and Nicholas Karimi who are all vital players in the story’s bigger picture.
One of the biggest strengths of the film comes from the score by British electronic artist, Koreless. His signature sound of sleek, percussive electro is the perfect counterpart to the film’s fluid nature. The score consists of less “start and stop” musical moments and more continuous mood-building that fuels revelations onscreen. Feelings of uneasiness take shape through the use of off-tempo beats that sync up and then fall out of rhythm, thus painting a dreary, twisted soundscape.
Operatic in both its images and sound, Medusa Deluxe is a visionary breakthrough. Filmmaker Thomas Hardiman has created something truly unique with a voice and vision all its own. Dedicated to the hairdressers of the world, Medusa Deluxe is one fantastical trip worth taking.
Distributed by A24. Now playing on VOD and in select theaters, including the Los Feliz Theater.
