DOCTOR JEKYLL (2023) Review

Review

It takes a powerhouse of British cinema to bring a story like Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 Gothic novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde to the big screen. So in 2023 the legendary Hammer Films has risen from the grave to present an enticing contemporary adaption from director Joe Stephenson. With a powerhouse cast that includes Eddie Izzard, Stephenson and Hammer are able to singlehandedly revive the classic British horror. Am I excited? I sure am!

Any self respecting horror fan is aware of Hammer. The studio is responsible for putting British horror on the map in the 1950s. They’re also no stranger to the story of Jekyll and Hyde having released Terence Fisher’s The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll in 1960, and Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde in 1971, directed by Roy Ward Baker. But for this new version the studio has their sights set on a contemporary brand rebirth.

At the centre of proceedings is the enigmatic Dr. Nina Jekyll, played exquisitely by Suzy Eddie Izzard. Izzard has been vocal in discussing her own gender transition. But rather than encapsulate that by having Jekyll and Hyde as opposing genders, Stephenson has both alter-egos as female. A news clipping seen early in the film declares Jekyll as trans. But a later flashback to her childhood has the young Nina portrayed by a female actor. A stroke of genius by the production team as this flashback is Nina’s own recollection of her past. It’s never mentioned in story. But this one small creative decision to allow Nina to present herself as she wants is profound and an across-the-board acceptance of diversity. To see this kind of progressive thinking coming from a UK studio is excellent.

Much mystery surrounds Nina and her alter-ego Rachel. Stephenson toys with the audience by keeping the differentiation between the two subtle. There are clues scattered throughout the first two acts. But it’s only when Doctor Jekyll reaches its climax that all is revealed. It adds a fun rewatch value to the film. There’ll be plenty to pick up on in future viewings. But more importantly is the ease with which Izzard is able to pull this off. The switch between Nina and Rachel is seamless. Izzard can flip characters on a dime without jarring the audience. This subtlety is a major part of the film’s allure and should not be underestimated in its power.

Stephenson’s Doctor Jekyll takes a more psychological approach to the dual personalities. Where classic portrayals would play Hyde as the literal monster, this new version makes Rachel a monster in nature not appearance. There’s still a nod to those classic transformational moments. But for the most part Stephenson relies on the talents of his actors to communicate who is playing who and when.

Playing against Izzard is Scott Chambers as Rob Stevenson. Bet you can’t guess his character’s middle name… Rob is down on his luck, having recently been freed on parole. His case worker requires him to get a job if he is to have the chance to see his seriously ill daughter. It’s Rob’s brother Ewan (Morgan Watkins) who puts him forward for a job working at the secluded manor which plays home to Nina Jekyll. Despite the better judgements of the Jekyll estate manager (played ably by Lindsay Duncan), Rob gets the job and the film becomes tense waiting game.

Chambers is a brilliant piece of casting. He embodies Rob with an anguish over his past which is only superseded by his dedication to getting back on his feet. There’s no question that he means well despite his own bewilderment at his situation. It’s not had to identify with Rob or to root for his success. Chambers is extraordinarily likeable from the outset. But he also has great chemistry with Izzard. Whilst the audience is mostly in the dark as to whether Rob is conversing with Nina or Rachel, Chambers sincerity consistently shines through.

All of this adds up to what is a harrowing final act. Doctor Jekyll more than lives up to the Hammer name with its unexpected ending. The fact I could watch a horror in 2023 and not be able to predict the ending was refreshing and makes the film one of my favourite films of the year. But no spoilers from me. You’ll need to experience this one for yourselves…

Verdict

Doctor Jekyll is the perfect film to rebirth the Hammer Films brand. A truly contemporary take on a horror classic. Between it’s simple execution and amiable cast, this film gave me everything I wanted for a British horror.

⭐⭐⭐⭐