It's officially spooky season - and there are few horror movies more stylish than Edgar Wright's upcoming Last Night in Soho.

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The director has (sort of) tackled the genre before in zom-rom-com Shaun of the Dead, but this psychological thriller will be the comedy legend's first attempt at full-blown horror.

He's brought quite the cast on board to help him however - including The Queen's Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy, Jojo Rabbit's Thomasin McKenzie and The Crown's Matt Smith.

Wright is known for making his audiences cry with laughter - but you might just be crying this time around. Here's everything you need to know about Last Night in Soho.

Last Night in Soho release date

Last Night in Soho will have a prime Halloween release window, slinking into theatres in the UK on 29th October.

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The psychological horror previously had release dates in September 2020 and April 2021, but has been delayed twice due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last Night in Soho cast

There's only a small cast as most of the film appears to be a two-hander - but Wright has chosen two of the biggest rising stars in the world right now to play the two leads.

Anya Taylor-Joy, known of course for playing chess prodigy Beth Harmon in Netflix's smash hit The Queen's Gambit, will be heading back to the 1960s once again as famous singer Sandy. She'll share a mysterious link with modern-day fashion designer Eloise, who will be played by Thomasin McKenzie, the breakout star of 2018 drama Leave No Trace and World War 2 dramedy Jojo Rabbit.

Love interest Jack will be portrayed by Matt Smith, who is, of course, best remembered for playing British icons Doctor Who and Prince Philip in Netflix's The Crown.

The film will also be notable for the final on-screen performances of Dame Diana Rigg and Carry On icon Margaret Nolan, after the two passed away in 2020.

Wright has also fittingly cast '60s stars Rita Tushingham (Doctor Zhivago) and Terence Stamp (Far from the Madding Crowd), while Harry Potter's Fred and George duo James and Oliver Phelps will also appear in undisclosed roles.

Last Night in Soho trailer

The latest trailer for Last Night in Soho was released in October and finally gives away a few plot points - and it's not looking good for Anya Taylor-Joy's Sandy...

This follows on from a previous moody trailer on 8th September, a little over seven weeks ahead of the film's release.

The very first trailer dropped back in May, and although it does not give much away it is absolutely dripping in style. Listen out for Anya Taylor-Joy's singing here.

Last Night in Soho age rating

Last Night in Soho has been given an age rating of 18 by the BBFC for "strong, bloody violence". Director Edgar Wright is no stranger to on-screen violence with many of his previous movies netting a 15 rating - but his entry into the horror genre will be his first film rated 18 in the UK.

Last Night in Soho plot

Even with trailers, there are a few concrete plot details known about the mysterious Last Night in Soho. The film appears to follow present-day fashion designer Eloise (McKenzie) who is somehow able to travel back to the 1960s where she seemingly takes over the body of her idol, London singer Sandy (Taylor-Joy).

While in Sandy's body, Eloise then embarks on a romantic relationship with the slightly sinister-looking Jack (Smith). However, according to the synopsis, 1960s London is not what it appears to be, and time starts to fall apart with shady consequences - as hinted at in the trailer as it slowly descends into a full-blown horror.

The trailers seem to suggest that Eloise witnesses Jack murder Sandy during one of her time-travelling visions, something which is difficult to explain to the police. It seems Eloise will then attempt to travel back and save Sandy's life, thereby changing history - with terrible consequences.

Wright has cited classic British horror films Don't Look Now and Repulsion as influences, and cast several 60s icons such as Rigg and Stamp to pay homage to the decade he has a clear fascination for.

“There’s something I have in common with the lead character in that I’m afflicted with nostalgia for a decade I didn’t live in,” Wright told Empire. “You think about ‘60s London — what would that be like? And the reality of the decade is maybe not what she imagines. It has an element of ‘be careful what you wish for.’”

Last Night in Soho reviews

Last Night in Soho had a rather glamorous premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where the first reviews came trickling out - and they were (almost) overwhelmingly positive.

Despite being his first dabble with serious horror, Wright's work in the genre was praised:

Wright's willingness to try something new was again praised, as was his choice of music:

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Anya Taylor-Joy and Thomasin McKenzie's performances received particular acclaim:

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Last Night in Soho is scheduled for release in the UK on 29th October 2021. Looking for something else to watch in the meantime? Check out our TV Guide or visit our dedicated Movies hub for the latest film news.

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