A Tempest in a Teacup: Pretty Persuasion

What a ride, folks. “Pretty Persuasion,” directed by Marcos Siega, is one of those films that makes you wonder if you should laugh, cry, or maybe just brew a strong cup of coffee and contemplate life. It’s got that razor-sharp humor that sort of makes you wince—kind of like when you catch Andersson’s satirical gags on TV. It’s brutal, it’s bold, and it stars Evan Rachel Wood in one of those roles where you can’t quite tell if she’s supposed to be the villain or a misunderstood hero. And oh dear, don’t even get me started on James Woods. He plays a character as slimy as a week-old kaviar sandwich.

You see, the film is all about manipulation, power, and those nasty little things we sometimes do as teenagers… Ahem, not that I did anything like that, of course. I still remember my own school days back in Stockholm: endless discussions on existentialism, crusty ham sandwiches, and a certain teacher who shall remain nameless—let’s just say “hypocritical” barely scratches the surface.

There’s something oddly reminiscent of those days in “Pretty Persuasion.” I think back to those times and the memory of tying to navigate social hierarchies. Evan Rachel Wood captures that manuvering disconcertingly well. But folks, let’s face it, the film doesn’t shy away from its provocative themes. It hits on sensitive topics like sexual politics and media bias, and sometimes it feels like a slap in the face. And that’s good, I guess? Or maybe not. I’m still deciding.

The script, penned by Skander Halim, throws you off, like a Smörgåstårta—everything layered and intense. You think you know where it’s going, but nah, it just veers into another direction. It’s ambitious, but sometimes ends up like a marinated herring—requires an acquired taste. Would I watch it again? Maybe.

Or maybe it will just get me to reflect on how far we’ve come since those wobbly teenage years. Either way, it’s a conversation-starter, like when you accidentally bring up politics at a crayfish party. So, grab some coffee, perhaps a cinnamon bun, and see where your opinions land.

Check the trailer below