New Year, New You

New Year, New You, released in 2018, offers a dark twist to feminine friendship, new year resolutions, and social media obsession. Directed by Sophia Takal, the film features a talented cast, including Suki Waterhouse, Carly Chaikin, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste.

Known for her performance in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Suki Waterhouse brings an unforgettable performance as Alexis. She's a former high-school queen bee struggling with the fallout of her glory days, but a New Year's Eve get-together becomes her perfect opportunity for a comeback. Carly Chaikin, noticeably famous for her role in Mr. Robot, plays Danielle, a successful influencer with a polished life portrayed on social media. She's the aspiration of many but hides a complicated past behind her online persona. Kirby Howell-Baptiste, recognized for her appearances in Love and Killing Eve, portrays Kayla, a close mutual friend who mediates tensions amongst the group.

New Year, New You unfolds within the confined space of a suburban home. We're introduced to a group of old friends who reunite to celebrate New Year's Eve, a typical holiday get-together which soon spirals into unexpected directions. The seemingly innocent and fun reunion escalates into an intense confrontation of past lies, secrets, and grudges. As the night moves on and the champagne keeps flowing, what starts as a mildly awkward trip down memory lane quickly turns into a claustrophobic nightmare that traps everyone inside the same house.

The film effectively uses these four female friends to explore themes like friendship, jealousy, regret, and obsession in the age of social media in a visually engaging way. The film questions society's obsession with the picture-perfect lifestyle that influencers portray, satirically commenting on the psychological impact of craftily curated lives shaping the perceptions of many, including themselves. Danielle's followers consider her their idol, but she holds a darker persona beneath her polished and flawless images on the internet.

Being a part of Hulu's 'Into the Dark' horror series, the film succeeds in delivering frequent moments of unexpected turns and frights. The excellent direction by Sophia Takal builds a slowly increasing sense of dread and unease, enveloping the viewers in the escalating tension. The movie's narrative twists and turns keep audience members guessing and engaged, straddling the line between reality and illusion. The chilling score and effective cinematography further serve to amplify the horror and suspense elements of the film.

Overall, New Year, New You is an entertaining psychological thriller, which gets under your skin with its unique take on the horrors of social media and the struggles of millennial friendships. The well-rounded performances by the ensemble cast and the claustrophobic setting play vital roles in presenting a nail-biting thriller. This is a must-watch film for those who enjoy suspense-filled narratives layered with social commentary. The film serves as a reminder that the year might change, but the unresolved issues and old ghosts from the past continue to haunt if not addressed, letting its viewers dive deep into an exploration of raw human emotions, fears, and the dark side of friendship.