Over the years we’ve seen a surge in cyberbullying. With that increase, we have simultaneously experienced the rise of social media. At first the two seemed like star crossed lovers; different ideas from different kingdoms. Social media was birthed through a couple of platforms. I could probably count on one hand how many platforms existed at the birth of social media. Now we live in a world where social media platforms seem like empires. Look at what we’ve seen recently from Reddit and the stock market. Facebook and Twitter are both equally powerful entities. 

As social media has risen, we have experienced a rise in cyberbullying as well. In 2020, The Cybersmile Foundation reported that 46% of teenagers, a primary group for social media, are addicted to their smartphones. With such addictions, naturally worries are birthed. Teachers have stated that cyberbullying remains a top priority and worry for their students. With an increase in addiction, today’s youth are opening themselves up to cyberbullying and planting potential scars for tomorrow. Nearly 47% of teenagers have admitted to experiencing cyberbullying to some degree or another. 

As a former victim of bullying, I know how deep those scars can run. I know that what happens, or is said, today has an effect on tomorrow. For her feature film debut co-writer and director Jill Gevargizian explores themes of bullying and the potential effects on could have in The Stylist.The film was originally conceived as a short in 2016 and has now found a home in an extended feature format. The film tells the story of Claire (Najarra Townsend), a hair stylist, who begrudgingly takes a wedding job. Oh yeah, her therapy trick is being a murderer on the side. Over the last couple of years, the horror genre has gotten a rejuvenation in formats with a rise in the arthouse approach; films like Hereditary, Midsommar, and Get Out that present compelling narratives but ever so slowly crawl under your skin. 

The way in which Gevargizian does that is nothing short of brilliant. Even at her first film, she demonstrates an understanding of the craft that some veterans seem to forget. There are multiple moments within the film that genuinely had me tense and on the edge of my seat. Gevargizian is a masterful maestro of terror, conducting sequences that are eerily unsettling and sympathetic at the same time. Claire is such a complex character. The way in which Gevargizian gives the audience just enough of her mystery is equal parts compelling and tragic. Her unpredictable moments demonstrate a real vulnerability that few characters in the genre possess. Townsend taking on the role adds another level of artistry entirely. 

When you compare her character to other slasher icons, they never suggest any hint of remorse. They’re never sympathetic. Townsend stands out with the genre for bringing a character performance that rivals high caliber performances we talk about yearly. She is nothing short of brilliant. I don’t know if you’ve ever been married or been a part of a wedding but it can be one of the most intense atmospheres. The Stylist already has a rather tense atmosphere with Claire but adding in the wedding subplot gives the film a new degree of intensity. Gevargizian finds a way to slowly merge the two plots into a wonderfully satisfying climax that tattoos itself onto your psyche. 

Gevargizian knows how to construct an effective atmosphere. She knows how to use those characters in those settings to wondrous proportions. If anything, what keeps this film back could be its pacing. There are moments where scenes run on a bit longer than they probably should. Some of the characters can come across as stock characters. With a wedding, viewers can expect to see a good deal of extra characters. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you give characters something to do. Given how detailed and complex other characters of the film are, it’s a shame to see how shallow a large portion of the secondary cast is. It’s a puzzling decision as well to have some of the scenes that we have with these characters. One hand feeds the others essentially.

Overall, The Stylist finds wondrous life evolving from short film to feature length. The performances are beautiful and wonderfully complex. There are a few issues with pacing and the film’s secondary cast members. However, it’s a small complaint to cast with The Stylist as it moves towards a near perfect film. The Stylist is eerie and wonderfully unsettling. 

RORSCHACH RATING:

Mental Health Moment: Claire’s journey throughout the entire film is seeking affirmation. She is looking for joy and purpose. A great deal of scenes showcase Clarie alone attempting to establish purpose within herself. A part of her M.O. as a murderer is actually to scalp the victim and wear their hair upon her own scalp. She lives vicariously through her victims. She takes on their tone and mannerisms. It’s quite an unsettling sight to behold. However, it’s not that far-fetched from how some of us live our lives.

We can find ourselves void of purpose, or rather what we conceive as void of purpose. That’s a powerfully harmful mindset to carry within mental health. We continuously chase something we can never attain. I know it sounds cliche, but you are special in your own purpose. Don’t let the media tell you who to be or what to think. Much like how I started out this review: social media can feed into this mindset. Never be afraid to be different, bold, beautiful. You were made to be nothing less. 

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. The Stylist is property of its respective filmmakers. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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