Medusa Deluxe (2022) is a murder mystery thriller set in the backbiting world of competitive hairdressing. Big hair and even bigger egos collide in a tense and taut mystery that keeps the viewer guessing until the very end.
Medusa Deluxe is like Showgirls with more hair extensions. Fabulous, extravagant and outlandishly sumptuous, it is an impressive debut from writer/director Thomas Hardiman. Visually it’s a delight, with expertly managed cinematography and camera work that draws the viewer deeper into the lives of a complex, and caustic, cast of characters. Every frame is filled with candy coloured, sky high coiffures and sharp scissors that wink dangerously under the glare of spotlights.
As the story develops, the tension between contestants is palpable and it is clear that bad blood runs deep. In snatches of gossip, whispered between bursts of hairspray, we learn about old grievances and scores to settle. It soon becomes clear that it’s easier to find an enemy than a friend in the big bad world of competitive hair. So when the contestants and models find out about a murder in the ranks, the backstage backstabbing quickly escalates into chaotic finger pointing and paranoia.
This is a film that plays with the tropes of both the kitchen sink (or should that be hairdressing basin?) drama and the murder mystery and creates something fresh and exciting.
In true murder mystery fashion, everyone’s a suspect. There’s the slightly sinister Cleve, who’s determined to win but at what cost? Rene, the competition organiser, a man full of secrets and possibly involved in shady underground hair dealings. And what about the enigmatic Gac, a security guard who sees every move everyone makes. But who was watching the watchman on the night of the murder?
As we follow this motley crew of characters around the subterranean tunnels beneath the main stage, we uncover a world of secrets, long held grudges and underhand tactics. We learn about the underground black market of hair supplements and the lengths people will go to to win. Despite the pizzazz and flair, the characters are made relatable by their ordinary concerns; debt, reputation, covering up affairs. We see that a seedy underbelly lurks beneath the glitz and that, in this competition, no one’s hands are clean. This is a film that plays with the tropes of both the kitchen sink (or should that be hairdressing basin?) drama and the murder mystery and creates something fresh and exciting.
Medusa Deluxe is a fun, flamboyant murder mystery that takes the viewer deep into the world of competitive hairdressing. The characters are well crafted and relatable and the premise is both outlandish and ordinary when the truth is revealed. If you like murder, back stabbing and eccentric characters, settle in for the time of your life.
4/5
MEDUSA DELUXE IS IN SELECT CINEMAS IN UK & IRELAND 9TH JUNE
EXCLUSIVELY ON MUBI FROM 4TH AUGUST
