'The Wasp' Review: Stage Play Turns Cinematic Masterpiece

Transforming a play into a film is a daunting task. The intimacy of a live stage performance doesn't always translate seamlessly to the big screen. However, director Guillem Morales has brilliantly interpreted Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s play, 'The Wasp,' which Malcolm adapted herself for the screen. This adaptation features stellar performances by Naomie Harris and Natalie Dormer, both delivering intense, award-worthy portrayals.

'The Wasp' begins with Heather (Harris) attempting to rid her kitchen of a wasp infestation, a metaphor for the underlying chaos in her life. Her husband, played by Dominic Allburn, is dismissive of her distress, preoccupied with hosting a dinner party for his colleagues. Heather’s frustration is palpable, driven by various personal issues, including her inability to conceive.

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The narrative takes a dark turn when Heather contacts Carla (Dormer), a financially struggling old friend expecting her fourth child. Heather's intentions are far from friendly; she proposes that Carla murder her husband for money. From this premise, the plot unfolds into a chaotic and thrilling story full of twists and turns. Flashbacks reveal sordid pasts, and the tension builds on bitterness, anger, distrust, and fear.

Morales' direction keeps the suspense alive, culminating in an exhilarating climax. The film's narrative never stagnates, constantly revealing new layers and secrets. The contrasts between Heather and Carla are stark; Heather leads a privileged life, while Carla struggles to make ends meet. This disparity sets the stage for a gripping exploration of their motivations and actions.

Heather's privileged status allows her to make outrageous demands, while Carla’s desperation leads her to consider them. However, Carla is not without her complexities and secrets. The film delves into their willingness to protect themselves and examines their inner natures, anger, and choices.

The performances of Harris and Dormer are exceptional. Harris portrays Heather with a mix of control and unhinged emotion, shifting effortlessly between sadness, sympathy, surprise, and awe. Her layered performance reveals the depths of Heather’s strategic behaviour and emotional turmoil.

Dormer’s portrayal of Carla showcases a tough exterior hiding vulnerability. Initially resistant to Heather, Carla’s desperation for money brings her into the fold. Dormer balances sharp retorts with deeper emotional undertones, matching Harris’s intensity in their scenes together.

'The Wasp' excels as a psychological thriller, with Morales’ direction transforming Heather’s home into a beautiful yet confining prison. The pacing is flawless, maintaining intrigue and momentum throughout. The film’s exploration of the characters’ pasts and their current predicaments adds depth to the story.

Days after viewing, the characters and their intricate stories linger in the mind. 'The Wasp' is a layered narrative, delving deep into the characters’ histories and the impacts of childhood trauma. The film’s galvanising story and pitch-perfect performances make it a standout piece of cinema.