A Fresh Thriller from Director Gerard Johnson
Gerard Johnson, known for his last compelling movie “Muscle,” a gritty thriller starring Craig Fairbrass as a domineering personal trainer in Newcastle, returns with another intriguing film. In “Muscle,” Fairbrass’s character overtakes the life of his client, Simon, played by Cavan Clerkin, drawing him into a dark underground world. Polly Maberly, who portrayed Simon’s aloof wife and played a crucial role in setting the narrative in motion, was somewhat overshadowed by the more memorable scenes and characters. However, in Johnson’s latest work, set in the bustling backdrop of London, Maberly is given a chance to shine as the protagonist in this off-kilter and eerie thriller. Despite the film, titled “Odyssey,” not coming together as cohesively as “Muscle,” the shortcomings are not attributable to Maberly. Known for her roles in lesser-known TV dramas, she delivers a standout performance as a quirky, flawed, and ultimately unraveling character.
Natasha Flynn’s Chaotic Life
Maberly’s character, Natasha Flynn, is a minor real estate agent managing a small office alongside two other employees: the awkward Spike (Charley Palmer Rothwell) and the beleaguered Safi (Kellie Shirley), together with a new intern, Dylan Rose (Jasmine Blackborow). Natasha’s leadership style oscillates between cajoling her team and berating them, a behavior exacerbated by her increasing cocaine use. Fluent in the deceptive language typical of real estate sales, where cramped spaces are marketed as “cozy” and remote locations as “rural,” Natasha dangerously starts to believe her own fabrications. One such delusion is her firm belief that an impending merger with another agency is a partnership, not a hostile takeover. However, reality tells a different story as her professional and personal life begin to disastrously unravel, evidenced by her debts accumulating with everyone from old acquaintances to loan sharks. A telling scene early in the film shows her sneaking out of a dentist’s office, avoiding payment for a wisdom tooth extraction.
The Film Takes a Dark Turn
The initial setup of the film might lead viewers to anticipate a downfall for Natasha, particularly given the general unpopularity of estate agents. However, the plot unexpectedly veers off into a Grand Guignol-style horror, with Natasha finding herself embroiled in the kidnapping of a fellow estate agent, Douglas Kelly (Ben Shafik), orchestrated by another agent, Dom (Daniel De Bourg). She is forced to keep Douglas confined in an isolated Essex property known as Calypso Farm.
The name of the farm might suggest a nod to the epic “Odyssey,” hinting at a complex journey for Natasha. However, there is no triumphant return for her, only a descent into increasingly unhinged behavior. The film’s final act, filled with over-the-top gore, may seem unearned and illogical, yet Maberly’s compelling performance keeps the audience engaged, forgiving the film’s flaws. Additionally, the film benefits significantly from its soundtrack, composed by Matt Johnson, Gerard Johnson’s brother and the talent behind the band The The. The soundtrack’s pulsing, sinister, electronic beats amplify the film’s intense atmosphere.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
