Doctor Jekyll (2023)


REVIEWER RATING: 
9/10

DIRECTOR:

CAST:


This isn’t your traditional tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. For one thing, Eddie Izzard portrays Doctor NINA Jekyll, a stubborn woman with cunning style and a sharp tongue, wicked enough to make a young man such as Rob shudder with fear. What Nina says goes, and there is no room for debate. She runs her English manor with little staff, and a solid iron fist. After an accident left her dependent on a sturdy cane in deep seclusion, Nina is ready for outside care by way of former young inmate, Rob (Scott Chambers’ extraordinary performance.)   

With the innocence of a deer in headlights and the allure of mischievous behavior (do I detect a note of Barry Keoghan in that grin?), Rob willingly interviews for the open position as Nina’s caregiver with the help and support from his big brother. As he begins his new live-in employment with scrutiny from house manager, Sandra (another wonderful appearance from Lindsay Duncan) he is forced to follow rules and order no matter how non-sensical they are.   

Rob’s adorably innocent attitude soon become suspicious of his surroundings within this Downton Abbey replica where cameras capture every move and Nina’s behavior turns more peculiar with each passing day.  

As we understand Rob’s motivation for taking this demanding job has been determined by his desire to help his drug-addicted born daughter recover, it’s a guilty pleasure to watch his odd interactions with the captivating woman. From a whimsical talk about crunchy-nutty corn flakes to a semi-intense chess game, Nina’s subtle shift in word play plants intrigue within her faithful new servant which makes the climactic scene even more sinful. Through this jaunty fun, we accept the cryptic motto to live by: Always be 2 steps ahead.  

The mysterious connotations come to a head when the Jekyll family secrets are exposed through the most egregious request. Perhaps it’s the remorse he feels from causing his daughter’s current condition that forces his hand to accept his employer’s crude wish? Or his newfound empathy for Nina? Whatever the result, Doctor Jekyll takes a jaw-dropping turn that will blow your mind. And perhaps, part of your soul.

OVERALL: 
Izzard is just outstanding. Who else can be as controlled and confident while proceeding with cautious timidness to create a saga of twisted evil – and not miss a beat? Doe-eyed Chambers is the epitome of a new-jobber’s  “I didn’t sign up for this!” cliché with just the right amount of trepidation. The precarious surroundings are complemented by a suspenseful score throughout each nail-biting sequence with perfection. And as you know, a villain always needs his/her hero to balance the board. The question becomes…which one is Rob?


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