Medusa Deluxe

Paranoia, pandemonium and perms. The stakes are high and the hairstyles higher in this audacious feature debut from writer-filmmaker Thomas Hardiman, set in a regional hairdressing competition.

A participant is found murdered in a grisly fashion, sowing discord amongst the bombastic community of models, hairdressers, judges and love interests. Suspecting each other of murder, sabotage and – perhaps worst of all – unambitious hairstyling, the group trades theories, insults and gossip amidst a neon haze of hairspray and vape, all delivered with explosive candour and uproarious wit.

This lavish murder mystery is gorgeously shot by cinematographer extraordinaire Robbie Ryan, who smoothly weaves his camera through the event hall’s labyrinthine corridors in a faux one-shot, taking in the many mirrors, luminous hues and extravagant up-dos in competition. The energetic ensemble cast gives it their all, spouting fabulous, acidic dialogue throughout, while Hardiman gleefully braids together their extreme personalities with multiple narratives, keeping you guessing until the end.

Partially inspired by Hardiman’s own time working as a coiffeur, Medusa Deluxe is an intoxicating comedy-thriller built on a brilliantly unique premise, striking the viewer like a blast of hairspray in the eyes.

– Sophie Tupholme

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