A Genre-Blending Ride: Dragonfly Shocks at Tribeca

Dragonfly, an uneasy combination of different genres, premiered this week at Tribeca, showcasing the exceptional acting performance of Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough. The movie, directed by Paul Andrew Williams, starts as a soothing character drama before swiftly sidestepping into the horror genre, resulting in a rather harrowing finale. Despite the unexpected tonal shift, one thing is for sure; this film will stick in your mind.

Blethyn portrays Elsie, a lonely elderly lady housed in a dull residence and neglected by her caregivers. Colleen, played by Riseborough, detects Elsie's need for extra care and steps in, offering to run errands and clean. Elsie’s son, John (Jason Watkins), is aloof and suspicious of Colleen, making it clear he has little interest in aiding his mother’s care.

The initial dynamic between the two neighbors is uneasy, heightened by the presence of Colleen's large and intimidating dog. When Elsie entrusts Colleen with money for additional shopping, it hints at possible ulterior motives behind Colleen's concern for her neighbor.

Although the early part of the film develops at a slow pace, the unfolding friendship keeps the audience engaged, with the performances of Blethyn and Riseborough compounding the growing tension. Riseborough drew attention with her outstanding performance in Masterpiece Theatre production, Alice & Jack, and here, she continues to demonstrate her audacious range and versatility.

Dragonfly keeps audiences on their toes, especially during the last third of the film, replete with terrifying shock moments that left the Tribeca audience audibly shaken. Some may find the unexpected genre shift towards horror gimmicky, but regardless, it offers a visceral experience. It appears Williams has drawn inspiration from Hitchcock’s mastery of terror, turning the film into a compelling horror piece. Despite the film's brevity, the gripping narrative and the empathetic performances of its two stars ensure it makes an unforgettable impact. Dragonfly’s unique take on mixing drama with the horror genre is begging for a smart distributor to take it under their wing.