Reviews: The Stylist (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Drama
Subgenres:
Horror fans will enjoy our review of The Stylist (2020), where we cover its story, scares, and how it ranks among modern horror classics.
The Stylist follows Claire (Najarra Townsend), a lonely and socially anxious hairstylist who harbors a dark secret—she kills clients and assumes their identities in a desperate attempt to escape her own life. When her regular client, Olivia (Brea Grant), asks her to style her hair for her upcoming wedding, Claire’s longing for connection turns into a dangerous obsession.
The Stylist (2020) – A Chilling and Introspective Psychological Horror
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The film delves into themes of identity, loneliness, and psychological instability, presenting Claire as both terrifying and heartbreakingly tragic. Rather than depicting her as a one-dimensional killer, the film explores the emotional turmoil that drives her actions, making her a deeply complex antagonist.
Acting and Cinematography
Najarra Townsend delivers a hauntingly nuanced performance, capturing Claire’s awkward charm, vulnerability, and creeping madness with chilling authenticity. Brea Grant provides a solid counterbalance as Olivia, the unknowing object of Claire’s obsession. Their dynamic is unsettling, creating an intense psychological tension throughout the film.
Cinematographically, The Stylist is visually stunning. The film’s use of warm, intimate lighting contrasts with its brutal moments of horror, creating a uniquely unsettling experience. The shots are meticulously composed, making even simple scenes feel eerily dreamlike.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Director Jill Gevargizian brings a stylish and methodical approach to horror, drawing inspiration from films like Maniac (1980) and The House That Jack Built (2018). She balances slasher elements with a deeply psychological story, ensuring that the horror stems as much from Claire’s mental unraveling as from the film’s violent moments.
While the film’s slow-burn nature enhances its psychological depth, it may test the patience of viewers expecting a more action-driven narrative. Some scenes linger for extended periods, emphasizing Claire’s inner turmoil but slowing the pacing considerably.
Final Verdict & Score: 7/10
The Stylist is a beautifully shot and deeply unsettling psychological horror film that explores loneliness and obsession in a uniquely intimate way. While its pacing may feel slow for some, its haunting atmosphere and strong performances make it a standout in modern indie horror.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Stylist Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.29/10
- IMDB: 5.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 9.3/10
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