Film Review - Cordelia (2019)

Following on years after a traumatic London underground experience, suffering anxiety and survivor guilt, theatre actress Cordelia (Antonia Campbell-Hughes) has basically shut herself off from social activity by rendering life as a recluse in her bedroom of an apartment she shares with effervescent twin sister Caroline (also rivetingly portrayed by Campbell-Hughes).

When unexpectedly meeting upstairs neighbour Frank (Johnny Flynn) there certainly seems to be an instant attraction and rare chance for Cordelia to break out of pure loneliness including displaying unlikely trust.

Dropping her guard whilst opening up, she believes herself to be target of a deranged stalker questioning the seemingly good intentions of Frank’s sudden friendship.

When left all alone in the apartment as Caroline is out of town, nervous beyond belief, the question is Cordelia imaging certain incidences or simply suffering from acute psychological phenomena built up over time.

This drama endures a continuous array of bleak circumstances with a finale you may not see coming, however there are clues for the keenly observant.

In the dual roles, Antonia Campbell-Hughes dominates fragility as Cordelia whilst to a lesser extent conveys vibrant with considerable charm as Caroline. She also is screenwriter understanding necessary character traits.

There’s an old school cinematic feel in certain scenes throughout Cordelia, the apartment is deliberately designed to condition the viewer into further complexity of her surrounds. City streets are also filmed in an unorthodox manner keeping things interesting.

Lookout for welcome cameos from legendary Michael Gambon (of one of my all-time favourites, The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and her Lover. 1989) and lovely Surry girl, Catherine McCormack (Dangerous Beauty. 1998).

Weird and twisted, primarily a showcase for Antonia Campbell-Hughes and one for admirers of bizarre celluloid.