Stoker, directed by the highly talented Korean director Chan-wook Park, begins with the death of India’s father, Richard Stoker played by Dermot Mulroney, on her 18th birthday. From the opening credits you are instantly drawn into the story and can appreciate the beauty that is about to unfold. Park has created a world where you wear cocktail dresses and cashmere sweaters to dinner by candlelight. You are able to walk into your backyard to go hunting because you live on acres of land. The Stokers are a family of wealth. Although India, played by Mia Wasikowska seems to remain as plain as can be, that is until her mysterious uncle Charlie, played by Matthew Goode, arrives. India’s mother, played by Nicole Kidman, suddenly has a flash of light during her time of mourning. Charlie and India begin to form an unusual relationship that puts them in compromising situations. India is drawn to her uncle whom she think looks like her father. Her mother gives her very little guidance and at a crucial time in her entering adulthood she reluctantly listens to the words of her uncle. Questioning his behavior yet intrigued by him, India discovers things about herself she didn’t know existed. Mia and Matthew have fantastic chemistry with a creepy demeanor. Their glares and grins leave the audience wondering where is this story taking you and will India follow the appropriate path. Nicole Kidman’s character is beautifully distant towards her daughter and becomes increasingly jealous of the newfound relationship between her and Charlie. Her disapproval of her daughter’s behavior climaxes at the end leaving India to make a crucial decision.
The cinematography and editing of this film are incredible, with seamless transitions. Park took an eerie tale of self-discovery and added his genius to create a fantastically beautiful portrait of an American family with too many skeletons in the closet. Park had a hand in every detail of this film, down to the jewelry the actors wore, and it is within this attention to detail where his genius thrives. Stoker is a must see.