I do enjoy a good horror short but every now and then, I will catch a film that leaves me wanting more. I first caught The Stylist after reading the hype on social media and agreed with the praise that was coming through thick and fast, so I was glad to hear a full feature was in the works.
The full feature expands on the story utilising the same actress, location and actually unless I’m mistaken – wardrobe – providing the much needed character development I craved from watching the short.
Najarra Townsend portrays lonely hairdresser Claire who spends her days getting glimpses into the varied lives of her clients, often acting as confidante to sordid secrets and gossip. Friends in the beauty industry have talked about the expectations of their roles often extending beyond hair and nails – with clients joking their appointments are cheaper than therapy – a theme touched upon in the movie.
Claire’s clients freely share intimate details of their lives – disclosing sordid affairs and secrets not shared with even those closest to them. It may seem bizarre at first, but there is a sense of safety and anonymity in the client/stylist relationship – a relationship that seems so intimate for its duration but is then quickly forgotten (that is, until another trim is needed). Something about Claire is so unassuming that her clients trust her with their darkest secrets – but despite this bond, it is clear it is temporary – and the viewer is left feeling sorry for Claire – trusted only thanks to her faceless unimportance.
Claire’s anxiety and self doubts become apparent as the film progresses and I’m sure Townsend’s portrayal will trigger recognition within many viewers at the internal struggles that are so deftly depicted in a way that’s understated yet unmistakeable. Given how beautiful Najarra Townsend is, I initially questioned the casting of the unsure, nervous hairdresser – but on reflection, I think if anything the casting choice strengthens the message. All women will at some point face the anxiety of self doubt – regardless of what they are really like or what others think of them.
Whilst Claire herself is an attractive woman – there is something about her that doesn’t quite fit in – no more apparent than the scene in the bar at the bachelorette party. It’s hard to pinpoint, but subtle differences in costuming help to emphasise Claire’s struggle to be accepted.
I’m sure everyone has day dreamed about being someone else, wondered what it would be like to spend a day in their shoes. Claire takes it one (or ten) steps further – scalping her clients and trying on their hair and subsequently, mannerisms. Clearly not content with herself, Claire tries to make herself feel whole by trying on little bits of others. Understandably, a process she repeats as she remains unfulfilled – never quite finding what she needs from others.
The Stylist is currently available on the Arrow player, where you can also find a short video with director Jill Gavargizian. Along with the role of director and producer, Jill herself has a fun, albeit brief, cameo as one of Claire’s unfortunate victims. When talking about the process of creating the film, Jill talks about drawing on her own experiences – a factor which I think really helped bring The Stylist to life and give it real heart. The salon of the film is in fact the very salon Jill herself works in. It has a really nice vibe (I don’t think I’ve been offered a glass of wine whilst getting my hair done. Where can I find this in Glasgow?!), with some beautiful use of colour in some of the salon scenes using some pink and purpley hues.
Whilst there doesn’t seem to be a huge amount to the plot, I found that I couldn’t look away and was drawn in from beginning to end. The Stylist as a full feature builds on the character of Claire and manages to create a fleshed out, sympathetic character – despite her actions. I do feel the ending seemed a little abrupt but this may largely due to the fact that I wanted more. I can’t wait to see what else Jill does.
