I’ve always loved film. Even from a really early age I remember the excitement of going to the cinema – a feeling that hasn’t diminished as I’ve gotten older. Now that cinemas have finally reopened in Glasgow I’ve had a lot of catching up to do. So far I’ve been able to catch Spiral, The Unholy and A Quiet Place Part II (twice). I haven’t quite brought myself to try the new instalment in the Conjuring series, but as I’ve worked my way through the current horror offerings I may give it a go soon despite my better judgement.
Whilst it’s true that my favourite genre is horror, believe it or not I have been known to occasionally branch out. My DVD collection may be predominately horror, but there is the odd comedy or thriller worthy of a space on the shelf (along with the odd cheesy rom-com and musical, but maybe the less said about that the better).
Always Shine
Director : Sophia Takal
I debated whether to write about ‘Always Shine’ or not as I had always intended for this to be a horror focused blog. The film is more of a psychological thriller, but throughout my viewing I felt enough dread and tenseness to justify it meriting a post for it’s horror adjacent vibe.
Always Shine follows budding actresses and close friends Beth (Caitlin FitzGerald) and Anna (McKenzie Davis – familiar from her role in San Junipero) as they enjoy a weekend away in Big Sur.
Whilst both women are seeking to make it in the cut throat industry, it soon becomes apparent that they have had varying levels of success – something which begins to create tension in the relationship. Despite their friendship, the differences in their personalities are stark and as the film progresses it seems that the women are constantly pitted against each other by societal expectations to compete. This feeling is reinforced by stylistic choices of framing that seem to compare the women and the viewer is drawn into observing their similarities and differences.
Whilst physically both women are somewhat similar; attractive blondes in their early 30s, as we get to know them their differing personality types and motivations come into play – something the characters themselves seem to identify and acts as a wedge in their already fraught relationship.
Anna is confident and outspoken. Her tough exterior persona and emotional outbursts are in stark contrast to Beth’s submissive, quiet demeanour. Whilst Beth seems cautious, at times unsure of herself, it is she that seems to be achieving success within the industry, much to Anna’s chagrin.
During an increasingly tense scene, Anna runs lines with Beth and it is apparent she is the stronger actress – something that is unspoken but obvious in the glances between the women.
Whilst this clearly eats at Anna, it seems almost a commentary on societies expectations of a woman. Should we be surprised that the submissive, controlled woman is the one achieving success in a male dominated industry?
This success bleeds into romance as Beth is approached by a man whom Anna was speaking to. The subtle implication that men are turned off by outspoken women. Women have to be ladylike and impressive to be valued.
Unfortunately the more Anna wants it, the more emotional she gets and the further she gets.
The cracks in the friendship expand and the tensions bubbling under the surface rise as the viewer starts to question what is real and what isn’t. This feeling of confusion is emphasised by flashes of horror and splices of colourful, gory scenes we don’t fully see. We know that things are coming apart, but who is it that’s cracking from the pressure?
The timeline of Always Shine is confusing, with events making it appear that the story isn’t always told sequentially, eliciting a feeling of disorientation. As the roles are reversed in the final portion of the film, Anna appears to take on Beth’s persona – having more success in social circles when displaying more traditionally feminine traits. People seem to like her more, but at what cost?
Through flashbacks we piece events together, the final ‘performance’ happening offscreen.
Performance feels like the appropriate word as the women within Always Shine feel like they are constantly under pressure to dazzle, whether it’s during an audition for a role, in social situations or to get a bit meta and break the fourth wall, for us – the audience. As a woman, it’s an interesting look beyond the veil at expectations put on women in all walks of life and Always Shine really, well – shines – due to the strong performances of the main cast.
