'The Beguiled' beguiles, simple and subdued as it is

Walking into the cinema, I knew the basics of "The Beguiled": Set during the American Civil War, the film was written for the screen and directed by Sofia Coppola. "The Beguiled" is based on a 1966 novel by Thomas Cullinan, first adapted as a feature film in 1971.

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In contrast to the first film that tried to stay faithful to the book, Coppola's take is a less complex one, albeit just as interesting and riveting in its own right. This version, which is not a remake mind, presents a lightweight version of the story that still centers around its characters' intertwined emotional conflicts.

Ironically, doing away with some of the elements in the original story has made "The Beguiled" more compelling for a viewer like me — A Filipino with limited knowledge of both the book's setting and the year in which it was written.

Photo from IMDb

Instead of focusing on the historical elements that may take non-American viewers out of the film experience, Coppola crafts an easily digestible yet still substantial dramatic thriller: violence and repressed sexual emotions, wrapped around a period piece that shines the spotlight on an engaging family drama isolated from the rest of war-torn America.

I also couldn't help but appreciate how well Coppola captured the distinct look and feel of the 1860s. From the moment we see the title card, the film oozes with aesthetic authenticity. It manages to elicit exactly the kind of emotion that it expects you to register, precisely when it wants you to do so.

"The Beguiled" also features excellent acting, with Coppola favorites Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning particularly standing out. They effectively sell a story that, while significantly simplified, still packs enough of a punch to keep viewers on their toes.

Ultimately, "The Beguiled" succeeds in delivering a light but memorable film experience. And in a time as politically charged and chaotic as ours, it would not be surprising for many viewers to find themselves charmed by a film like this. — LA, GMA News