Magpie

Working from her own story idea, producer Daisy Ridley shines in Magpie, an adultery thriller that’s a little too cool and calculated to truly ruffle viewers’ psychic feathers. 

The narrative isn’t really the point; this is first and foremost a tense portrait of a toxic relationship, and a brutally compelling one at that.

A lean, mean revenge thriller that knows exactly what it’s about, “Magpie” has little originality but an invigorating clarity of purpose.

In its style, “Magpie” is a marital thriller with noir trappings galore, including an almost ridiculously convoluted (yet satisfying) conclusion. Still, it’s most effective as the study of an angry wife’s chaotic psychological state.

A slow-burn gothic noir that is delectably petty and creepily conjured.

A wild and satisfying ride.

A deceptively fun, pulpy effort that serves up parley and pleasure in equal measure.

That would have been a strong movie based on the standout performances by Ridley and Latif, but first-time feature film director Sam Yates takes a Hitchcockian turn and sends the movie to an even higher level.

Daisy Ridley brings her A-game to this twisty psychological thriller.

Magpie is a revenge drama disguised as a study of a toxic relationship. You’ll need to suspend your disbelief during the satisfying, but preposterous third act but the payoff is worth it.