Two Neighbours Review: Aesop's Fables meets Internet Culture

Ondine Viñao echoes Saltburn and Marie Antoinette in her impressive debut feature.

Chloe Cherry and Anya Chalotra in Two Neighbours

Edinburgh International Film Festival was the host of the world premiere of Ondine Viñao's debut feature Two Neighbours. The film is a modern combination of Aesop's fable Avaricious and Envious and the infamous 'girl picks up a book' meme, following struggling writer Becky (Anya Chalotra) and her clash with the popular socialite Stacy (Chloe Cherry). Their tensions come to a head when a modern-day Genie (Ralph Ineson) offers to grant them both a wish of their choosing.

The Filmhouse was certainly buzzing with anticipation as crowds crammed into the cinema's Screen 1 for the film's premiere. The screening began with an introduction from Viñao and was followed by a Q&A with the film's cast and crew that I was unfortunately unable to attend. However, I did get to witness Ralph Ineson hurrying down the staircase of the Filmhouse to retrieve another glass of wine before the Q&A began, which perfectly encompasses the lively atmosphere at the premiere. This atmosphere was certainly reflected in the party-fuelled Two Neighbours. The majority of the film's runtime is spent at a debauched event held in Stacy's family mansion, a set that has been expertly curated by production designer Lili Lea Abraham. Most memorably, Abraham has created a Pinterest perfect set in the form of Stacy's bedroom. Coquette ad Y2K aesthetics clash in her pink princess bedroom, with a four poster bed and eclectic clutter. This production design alone lets the audience know the clear difference between Stacy and Becky, who lives in a cramped run-down apartment which couldn't contrast more to the stately mansion.

Chloe Cherry as Stacy in Two Neighbours

Speaking of the film's two leads, both Chalotra and Cherry hold their own as they bounce off each other throughout the film. Whether they're fighting for the attention of Stacy's boyfriend or performing a morbid magic trick with Ineson's Genie, their hate-fuelled chemistry is undeniable. Cherry especially shines as the initially vapid but suprisingly self-aware Stacy. She provides great comedic timing alongside sympathetic sequences of her self doubt and the setbacks she faces at the hands of her uncaring family. Though her impressive acting chops have been showcased in her previous work, most notably her breakout role in Euphoria, Cherry's performance as Stacy is confidently one of her best.

Though Chalotra and Cherry certainly carry the film throughout its runtime, Ineson's ominous Genie is unquestionably the standout performance of Two Neighbours. From the minute he is introduced as the steely no-nonsense wish-granter, he commands the audience's attention with an air of mysticism when on screen. The audience is left wondering whether his all powerful wish-granting powers are real, until he showcases that they are incredibly legitimate through two chilling monologues during the film's final sequence. Add this with his comedic dancing and swaying amongst the party's younger attendees throughout the film, and the Genie becomes a solid scene stealer.

Ralph Ineson as the Genie in Two Neighbours

Finally, it would be amiss to not mention one of the most impressive elements of the film: Viñao's strong directorial presence. When Becky finally lets go of her anxieties, she dances with Stacy's boyfriend and shaves a party-goers head whilst shrieking at the on-looking crowd. Viñao's creative camera work and intercutting between the film's characters and classical paintings leaves this sequence as the film's most memorable. The honed focus on Becky throughout this sequence in particular reminds us that Viñao is able to create a powerful character study through visuals alone. While some of the film's messaging may come across heavy handed, Viñao has created an extremely impressive visual feast for her debut feature.

Although there is currently no word on when Two Neighbours will receive its theatrical release, I strongly encourage you to go see it when it does and to keep an eye out for what Viñao does next in her no doubt successful career as a feature director.