This film was previously reviewed in October 2020 as part of our coverage for Nightstream Film Festival.

“You’re very lucky,” is the belittling phrase used throughout Natasha Kermani’s film, Lucky, that is sure to elicit strong feelings in any woman watching. May (Brea Grant), an author of self-help books, finds herself being stalked by an unknown man in a mask who returns to her home every night to kill her. When her loved ones prove to be of little help, May must take matters into her own hands and face the masked stranger alone.

There are so many small details in Lucky that create an unsettling atmosphere, like the recurring symbolism of broken glass, or the peculiar noise at the start of the film that sounds like women calling out, screaming, as though they’re being muffled. This is apt, as it is indeed a story about women whose voices have been stifled by those around them, a story cleverly told by Kermani and Grant, who is also the writer. 

Grant’s performance as May keeps us grounded as we are put in the perspective of someone fighting for her life every day, but is made to feel as if she is going mad by everyone around her. Despite the order for her to just “stay calm,” another phrase sure to make people want to tear their hair out, our protagonist perseveres. That’s what makes this film so great – Lucky is not a story of triumph, but rather a never ending tale that women are all too familiar with, one where realisation sets in: this is it.

Lucky is thrilling, perfectly showcasing women who are all separately fighting their own battles every day. Women whose value hinges on the men in their life, who cannot feel safe no matter what they do, whose hard work is constantly dismissed in favour of them being told how lucky they are.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Brea Grant, Hunter C. Smith, Kristina Klebe

DIRECTOR: Natasha Kermani

WRITER: Brea Grant

SYNOPSIS: May, self-help book author, finds herself being stalked by a masked man every night.

AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON: Shudder