The author Shirley Jackson led a fascinating life. A full on biopic of Jackson would certainly be worth exploring. However, filmmaker Josephine Decker has something far different and far more unsettling up her sleeve with Shirley, a psychological thriller more so than anything else. That being said, if this is how an auteur can tackle biopics going forward, that’s something to be excited about. Armed with a full throated performance in the title role from Elisabeth Moss, Decker lets her audience have it. This isn’t what you’re expecting and it might turn off some, but for others, it’s going to be a blast. Hitting tomorrow, it’s well worth a watch. This film is a psychological thriller, mixed with a bit of a character study (framed within the body of what might otherwise be a biopic). Renowned and reclusive horror writer Shirley Jackson (Moss) is about to write her masterpiece. Living with her randy husband Stanley Hyman (Michael Stuhlbarg), a philandering college professor, she’s about to see her routines completely ruined. Stanley has invited newlyweds Fred (Logan Lerman) and Rose (Odessa Young) to stay with them. Fred is going to be teaching at the university, while Rose is pregnant. Stanley has eyes for Rose, while he disregards Fred as an intellectual. Mostly, Shirley just stays in bed and struggles to write. With tensions between Shirley and Stanley quickly rising, they turn their attention to the younger couple. The middle-aged pair begin toying with both, and especially in regards to Shirley and Rose. The result is anything but normal, though it may just generate what will become one of Jackson’s most noteworthy novels. Decker directs a screenplay by Sarah Gubbins, based on the novel by Susan Scarf Merrell. Rounding out the cast, which is largely a four hander, are the likes of Allen McCullough, Edward O’Blenis, Steve Vinovich and more. Tamar-kali handles the music, while the cinematography is by Sturla Brandth Grøvlen. Elisabeth Moss breathes tremendously devilish and unsettling life into the title role. She shines in a cast that also includes strong roles for Logan Lerman, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Odessa Young. Each get moments to really let loose, though Moss is the one who you can’t help but remain focused on, throughout. While Lerman and Stuhlbarg do fade into the background at times, Moss and Young have some stirringly dark sequences. Young is who we identify with, but Moss is who […]