The Wasp is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps the viewer in suspense until the very last moment. The film explores an array of topics such as trauma, betrayal, childhood bullying, domestic violence, and social class. The film elegantly surveys emotionally dense subjects through artful storytelling. The film focuses on Heather (Naomie Harris) and Carla (Natalie Dormer) whose respective upbringing, socio-cultural background and life choices are used as indicators to explain their current circumstances as well as their character’s overall psychology. Director Guillem Morales employs sharp dialogue, pronounced silence and unflinching flashback scenes.

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The Wasp adopts a brazen approach to storytelling. Rather than rely on tired story arcs, this film confronts the story of two former school friends from an original viewpoint which asks as many questions of the audience as it does of the characters themselves. The strength of this picture lies in its capacity to entertain and surprise the audience throughout its 90 minute run time. A minor blemish of this film is the all-too-neat conclusion, as everything seems to occur at the right moment with the required interventions perfectly timed. A superb film nonetheless.

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Rating: 4 jailbirds – A must-see quality drama.