Horror and apprehension weave throughout The Stylist, a little ditty that spins a tale of jealousy and murder for the sake of vanity. If killing can be habit forming, then this beautician cannot seem to keep her cravings under control. Nicely directed and acted, once you press the play button get ready for some real sick and twisted hairstyles.
From the beginning you’ll find out that there is something very strange about Claire (Najarra Townsend). She may be a hair stylist, but if she loves the way some of her clients look, she may want to get under their skin. And if you’re unfriendly to her, she makes home visits a priority.
When Claire agrees to style her regular customer Olivia’s (Bree Grant) hair for her wedding, she rethinks her life with her family to a sinister degree. And you may of thought scalping a person may be a task for the depraved, just watch what Claire thinks about that?
A good job by director and writer Jill Gevargizian who sets up a very sinister story that for horror fans should press all the right buttons. Getting to the meat of her story, she delivers a very startling scene in the first ten minutes. Gevargizian then goes on to show her audience how psychotic Claire can really get when she’s mocked.
Bringing the psycho Claire to the screen, Najara Townsend gives a very good performance as the beautiful but creepy hair dresser. As each scene develops you find out more about the strange woman and how she came to be this wicked hunter of the perfect coiffure.
EXTRAS
Introduction by Director Jill Gevargizian
“Commentary” by Jill Gevargizian and Najarra Townsend
“The Invisible Woman”
“Behind the Scenes Featurettes” Eight short subjects
“Location Scouting”
“Outtakes”
“Original Kickstarter Video”
“Short Films” ‘The Stylist’, ‘Pitty’
The Stylist has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains gore, language, disturbing images, and sex. If you like stylish horror flicks this film should work just fine. The sound track and special effects are very good and be sure to check out the Bonus Features.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Najarra Townsend, Jennifer Seward, Bea Grant, Davis Derock, Sarah McGuire, Millie Milan
Directed and written by: Jill Gevargizian
Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, gore, language, disturbing scenes, sex
Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min.
Release Date: June 8, 2021
Distributed by: Arrow
Released in: Blu-ray, DVD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
