‘Magpie’ (2024)

Following a couple whose young daughter is cast in a movie alongside a popular and controversial actress, ‘Magpie’ explores the shifting dynamic between the husband and wife, as the father Ben (Shazad Latin) chaperones young Matilda (Hiba Ahmed) with wife Annette (Daisy Ridley) staying at home, minding their newborn son.

Painting the picture of a well adjusted family, the film opens with Annette and Matilda sharing the news that Matilda’s been cast in a film. Excited, on the morning of her first day, as Ben and Matilda leave for the shoot, Ben fobs off Annette who had intended on going to meet with her former boss to discuss returning to work after taking maternity leave.

The minor transgression and lack of consideration for Annette sets the scene for what is to unfold. As the days wear on, Ben becomes close with the star of the movie Matilda’s been cast opposite – Alicia (Matilda Lutz). Exchanging messages and trying to find ways of spending time alone with Alicia, Ben’s true colors are revealed as he disregards his family in favor of pursuing another woman.

The power of ‘Magpie’ stems from its toned down and muted infractions. Domestic abuse is most commonly associated with violence and abusive verbal altercations. What the film scores high points on is illustrating underhanded and minor instances that altogether add up to an unlivable situation.

Ridley’s Annette tries her hardest to get back on her feet after having taken time away from her work and herself. Helping her daughter audition for a film and caring for her baby son takes up all of her time. Meanwhile Latif’s Ben enjoys life as somewhat of a free spirited writer, unencumbered by child rearing duties as he leaves all to be handled by Annette.

Meeting every invitation to help out with childcare as a personal slight, ‘Magpie’ highlights every instance Annette is left to deal with everything by herself, even in Ben’s company. Further exacerbating the situation, Latif’s Ben tries as hard as he can to use every chance he can to cosy up to Lutz’s Alicia.

With every instance more cringe inducing than the last, Latif’s sleazy and shameless attempts to get close to Alicia generate an uncomfortable and uneasy reaction. Increasingly unpleasant and despicable, the character is uncovered as a disloyal and irredeemable dirt bag, for which one may not feel shameful for rooting against.

Pieced together masterfully, the story follows what initially feels like the well trodden ground of the slow disintegration of a ‘domestic bliss’ façade for the young family. Watching Ridley’s Annette struggle as she has to manage her children by herself leads one to already making peace with the fact that the story will conclude with some form of demise at the expense of the young woman.

What pleasantly surprises is the fact that ‘Magpie’ does not take advantage of its masterful set-up, deliciously poised to sabotage the young mother and culminate with her complete breakdown. Opting for an empowering alternative, the culmination of the film reveals Annette to have planned a scheme where Ben’s intentions would be uncovered.

What transpires inspires one to master patience and poise, to aspire to remain in control of oneself and the situation unfolding before them. Having swapped out Alicia’s phone number for her own in Ben’s phone, Annette had led him to believe Ben is developing a relationship with Alicia where there isn’t one. Annette watches her plan come together beautifully and allows for Latif’s Ben to implode and result in a spectacular disintegration of their relationship.

Ridley delivers both a victim and a fighter, as her Annette has to deal with a disinterested and selfish husband. Initially timid and allegedly troubled, Ridley delivers the image of an abandoned and paranoid housewife that aspires to be more. Her apparent obsession and distrust of her husband, even though not unfounded, can potentially lead us to believe she will fail in her attempts to rid herself of an unworthy spouse.

Subverting all anticipated shortcomings, Ridley flips the script as her Annette delivers a masterfully executed unmasking of her husband’s true nature. Setting a trap and allowing for Latif’s Ben to fall into it delivers one of the most satisfying and deserved revenges seen in recent times, without having to resort to violence.

Proving that patience and determination are worthy virtues, ‘Magpie’ deserves praise for its execution. With a slow burn that warrants the payoff, ‘Magpie’ strikes hard and fast in its climax with surprising twists, leaving a lasting impression.

Score: 3/4