The Beguiled (2017)
Film Review: The Beguiled (2017) – A Lush, Tense Southern Gothic Tale
Sofia Coppola’s 2017 adaptation of The Beguiled is a visually sumptuous and emotionally claustrophobic psychological drama that reimagines the 1971 film and the novel by Thomas P. Cullinan. With a strong cast led by Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, and Colin Farrell, this film blends beauty and menace in a slow-burning story set against the backdrop of the American Civil War.
Plot Summary
The story unfolds in 1864 Virginia, where Miss Martha Farnsworth (Nicole Kidman) runs an isolated girls’ school with a handful of students and one teacher, the emotionally repressed Edwina Morrow (Kirsten Dunst). Their quiet, disciplined world is upended when a wounded Union soldier, Corporal John McBurney (Colin Farrell), is discovered in the woods and brought into the seminary for care.
As McBurney recovers, his presence begins to disrupt the delicate social balance of the school. His charm and attention awaken repressed desires, especially in Edwina and the flirtatious teenager Alicia (Elle Fanning). But as romantic tension escalates and rivalries emerge, the atmosphere turns increasingly toxic. What began as kindness morphs into suspicion and manipulation, culminating in a chilling twist of fate.
Review
Coppola brings a distinctly feminine gaze to the material, removing the exploitative tones of the earlier adaptation and focusing instead on the psychological dynamics, isolation, and power shifts within the mansion. The cinematography by Philippe Le Sourd is breathtaking—bathed in candlelight, soft pastels, and misty woods, it’s a masterclass in restrained visual storytelling.
The performances are uniformly strong. Nicole Kidman exudes authority and moral rigidity, while Dunst conveys inner turmoil with quiet dignity. Colin Farrell skillfully walks the line between vulnerable and predatory, and Elle Fanning brings a dangerous sense of youthful curiosity.
While the pacing is deliberately slow, it serves the film’s tension well. The emotional undercurrents simmer beneath the surface until they erupt, making the final act all the more shocking.
Final Verdict
The Beguiled is a haunting and elegant film that explores gender, power, and survival in a time of war. With its gorgeous aesthetic and unnerving psychological layers, it may not appeal to viewers seeking action—but for fans of character-driven drama, it’s a richly rewarding experience.
Rating: 4.5/5
