If atmospheric thrillers are your cup of tea, then we have just the thing for you!
Martha Farnsworth is the principal of a girl’s school in Virginia during the American Civil War where, by 1864, only one teacher, Edwina Morrow (Kirsten Dunst), and five students live.
While wandering in the woods searching for mushrooms, Amy, one of the young students, comes across John McBurney, a soldier in the Union Army who has injured his leg during battle.
Amy brings the soldier, portrayed by Colin Farrell, to the school where he is subsequently locked in a room while Miss Farnsworth cares for his wounds. All the women and girls in the school are immediately fascinated by the man, who is devilishly handsome, to be fair.
Initially, some of the girls want the soldier to be delivered as a prisoner of war to the Confederate Army, but Miss Farnsworth opts to let his leg fully heal before making any decisions.
While recovering, the women and girls fight for the soldier’s attention and affection, giving him gifts and preparing a delicious meals for him (the way to a man's heart, eh?)
In an exciting twist, he begins to return the affections, to many of the women, especially focusing on Miss Morrow and Miss Farnsworth. McBurney makes a speedy recovery, and the girls in the school plead with Miss Farnsworth to allow him to stay at the school, as a gardener.
Cue the massive love triangle, gore, and some THRILLING drama!
Ultimately, McBurney puts on his “I’m a survivor” hat, and devises a plan to escape the clutches of these crazy ladies. While locked up in his room, the young Alicia pays him a visit. The smart soldier threatens Alicia to get him the room key. *Spoiler alert* He then breaks out, steals a gun, threatens the women, and then legs it (excuse the pun).
But, how far will he get?
Academy Award Winner Sofia Coppola has outdone herself with the direction and production of this period thriller. The excellent script, paired with outstanding performances by the actors make this movie truly unmissable.
