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It’s been already three months since the sudden death of her 27-year-old twin brother Lewis from a congenital malformation of the heart, and Maureen, a young fashionista, assistant to a celebrity woman and a capable medium, still hasn’t made any contact with him. Spending her time between high profile fashion establishments and the abandoned Lewis’ house in Paris, Maureen is silently battling with the gut-wrenching grief and sorrow, while at the same time, looking for a sign from her deceased brother after an oath taken between the twins. Aloof, disoriented and still mourning, wraithlike Maureen attuned to the ethereal realm, is inevitably caught between this world and the spiritual, always looking for portholes and a sign that would prove her brother right, however, in vain. Unexpectedly, as the days pass by swiftly and the random apparitions become more frequent, Maureen will start to receive strange text messages from an unknown sender who seems to know a lot about her, but in the end, if there is still no sign of the beloved Lewis, is there any point in waiting?
Duration: 105 min
Released: 2017
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 (29,010 Votes)
Genre: Drama, Dubbed Movies, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Stars: Kristen Stewart, Lars Eidinger, Sigrid Bouaziz, Anders Danielsen Lie
Directors: Olivier Assayas
Writers: Olivier Assayas
Year: 2016
Personal Shopper (2016): A Haunting Intersection of Fashion and the Supernatural
Introduction
Released in 2016, Personal Shopper is an intriguing blend of drama, horror, mystery, and thriller genres that captivates audiences with its unique narrative and atmospheric tension. Directed and written by Olivier Assayas, this film skillfully navigates through the complexities of grief, identity, and the supernatural, all wrapped in the enigmatic life of a personal shopper in Paris. The movie is best known for its haunting storyline and a standout performance by Kristen Stewart, who plays the protagonist.
Plot Overview
Personal Shopper follows Maureen (Kristen Stewart), a personal shopper to a high-profile celebrity in Paris, who is still grappling with the recent death of her twin brother, Lewis. Beyond her day job of procuring luxury fashion pieces, Maureen is deeply involved in trying to make contact with Lewis’s spirit, hoping to receive a sign from beyond. The film portrays her struggle to reconcile with her grief and the mysterious occurrences that suggest the presence of supernatural forces around her.
As Maureen navigates her mundane and high-pressure career, she encounters strange text messages and events that blur the line between the living and the dead. The narrative gradually builds a tense and eerie atmosphere, drawing viewers into her psychological turmoil and the mystery surrounding her attempts at spiritual communication. The film masterfully blends genres to create an unsettling yet introspective experience, exploring themes of loss, faith, and identity.
Main Cast
Director and Writer
Olivier Assayas serves as both director and writer for Personal Shopper. Known for his versatility and innovative storytelling, Assayas crafted the film with a distinct style that fuses suspense, existential rumination, and contemporary culture. His direction intricately balances minimalist dialogue with visual storytelling, enhancing the eerie mood and psychological depth. Assayas’s script is both cryptic and evocative, leaving room for interpretation and engagement from the audience.
Genre and Style
One of the remarkable aspects of Personal Shopper is its cross-genre approach. It comfortably inhabits the space between drama, horror, mystery, and thriller, creating a layered experience that defies easy categorization. The movie’s pace is deliberate and meditative, inviting viewers to slowly unravel the complexities of Maureen’s emotional and spiritual journey. The atmospheric tension is heightened by the minimalist soundtrack and the haunting urban landscapes of Paris, which contribute to the film’s ethereal and unsettling mood.
Reception and Impact
Upon release, Personal Shopper garnered critical acclaim for its originality, sophisticated storytelling, and Kristen Stewart’s compelling performance. The film was praised for pushing the boundaries of conventional genre films, blending psychological drama with supernatural elements. It won the Best Director award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, highlighting Olivier Assayas’s skillful vision.
The film resonates particularly with audiences who appreciate slow-burning cinema that explores deeper existential themes while maintaining an edge of suspense and mystery. Stewart’s portrayal of Maureen earned recognition for its emotional authenticity and grace under pressure.
Conclusion
Personal Shopper is a thought-provoking film that deftly fuses various genres to explore themes of grief, identity, and the possibility of the supernatural. With Olivier Assayas’s visionary direction and Kristen Stewart’s exceptional performance, the movie stands out as a memorable work in contemporary cinema. It is a recommended watch for those interested in films that challenge traditional storytelling and evoke a profound emotional and intellectual response.
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