The Beguiled – Blu-ray Movie Review

Synopsis

It’s 1864 Virginia and young Amy is out picking mushrooms when she encounters a wounded Union soldier. She takes him back to her boarding school where a small group of girls engage in daily lessons as they remain isolated from the war going on around them. As Corporal McBurney recovers, the older women, and the headmistress, Miss Martha, become attracted to their new guest. As the tension between them rises, events unfold to a shocking climax.

Specifications

Universal
2017, Color, Rated R, 1 Hr 33 mins
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 1.66:1 Aspect Ratio
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, Colin Farrell
Directed by Sofia Coppola

Rating

Entertainment:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Violence: Brief
Sex: Brief
Language: No

Commentary

The synopsis printed on the Blu-ray case promises an “atmospheric thriller”, using words like “seduction” and “sexual tension”. In practice, the film fails on that promise. Suspense is minimal, there are no unexpected turns in the plot, and there are definitely no thrills. The backdrop is well-executed and the setting is ideal for the story’s concept.

But a wooden script and underwhelming performances by the actors bring this movie short of the mark. I never saw any evidence that Corporal McBurney was seducing anyone until he suddenly professes his love for one of the girls with no build-up or foreshadow. By the time something actually happens, an hour has passed. Fortunately, the entire thing is over in around 90 minutes because it is far closer to a short subject than a feature film. There is good potential here that is simply not realized.

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Technical

The image is very dark and murky throughout. Interior scenes are lit solely by filtered sunlight or candles. If there is detail in the image, I couldn’t see it through the haze. Color occasionally appears as warm tones in the actor’s faces but contrast is flat. I also found the 1.66:1 aspect ratio to be an odd choice as it did nothing to enhance the presentation.

Audio is clean and clear but nothing special. Ambient effects are used reasonably well and dialog is always easy to understand. Music is quite sparing which is a shame because it might have heightened the viewer’s anticipation a bit more.

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Extras

Bonus features total only 12 minutes and include perspectives on the story and its adaptation to the screen along with information on costumes and production design.

Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.