Stoker (2013) is a visually stunning psychological thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, known for his work on the acclaimed Oldboy (2003). The film, written by Wentworth Miller, is an atmospheric and eerie exploration of grief, family secrets, and twisted desires. The film stars Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, and Matthew Goode in leading roles, and it marks Park’s first English-language film.

The story centers around India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska), a quiet, introverted teenage girl who is struggling with the sudden death of her father, Richard (Dermot Mulroney). Her father’s death leaves her and her emotionally distant mother, Evelyn (Nicole Kidman), in an unstable emotional state. The family is thrown into further turmoil when India’s estranged uncle, Charlie (Matthew Goode), unexpectedly arrives at their home for the funeral. Charlie is charming, mysterious, and seems to have a sinister air about him, immediately unsettling India.

As India forms a complicated and increasingly disturbing bond with Charlie, she begins to uncover dark secrets about her family’s past and the true nature of her father’s death. Her relationship with Charlie evolves into something both intoxicating and dangerous, as she starts to realize the extent of his manipulations and his hidden intentions. The tension between India, her mother, and Charlie grows, leading to an inevitable, chilling confrontation.

Stoker is a film rich with atmosphere, using gothic imagery and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack to heighten the psychological tension. The cinematography by Chung Chung-hoon is a standout, with carefully composed, almost painterly shots that emphasize the film’s dark, unsettling mood. The film’s narrative is slow-building, with a sense of unease and foreboding that permeates the entire story, capturing the feeling of being trapped within a world of psychological manipulation and twisted desires.

Mia Wasikowska’s performance as India is haunting and captivating, portraying a girl who is simultaneously vulnerable and dangerous. Nicole Kidman plays her emotionally distant mother, Evelyn, with an unsettling coldness that adds to the film’s tension. Matthew Goode’s portrayal of the enigmatic, morally ambiguous Charlie is equally mesmerizing, as he blurs the line between charm and menace.

The film explores themes of identity, repressed emotions, and the dark legacy of familial trauma. It delves into the psychological effects of grief and the reawakening of desires that lead to tragic consequences. Stoker combines elements of horror, thriller, and psychological drama, making it a unique and visually striking film that explores the darker sides of human nature.