User reviews

Ladies and gents, what we have here is a well-acted, well-written, well-cast, well-directed, psychological thriller. It works well, it keeps you offguard, and the time passes very quickly indeed. These sorts of films were all the rage in the 1940s, a time when the industry was still transitioning from the static feel of a stage play (few backgrounds, lots of dialog) to the more kinetic medium of film. The only unusual thing about it is the fact that some big-name critics went nuts for the project, saying it was the best thing they had ever seen. Not really. But it does hold the attention. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

The Wasp comes from a long line of multi-layer thrillers that have a better-than-average chance I think of becoming cult classics.

These influences from the likes of The Usual Suspects to Knives Out are worn prominently on The Wasp's sleeve, but this is certainly not a bad thing. The script is pretty tight, and the revealing of the layers to the story are surprising to say the least. At a tidy hour and half, the film never overstays its welcome, and makes for a generally enjoyable film. Dormer has a good performance throughout, she even had me convinced that she was some other actress for a while. The set designs were nice, certainly a lot of detail and thought went into the few settings the film takes place in.

However, somehow this film doesn't really live up to the greatness that it hopes to achieve. In the end, the ending did not bring as much energy as it should have, perhaps because this film wanted to be a little cleaner than it needed to be. Despite the darkness and grittiness alluded to, somehow I think more could have been done. Another huge black mark is that The Wasp falls prey to the oldest rookie mistake in the book: child actors. I probably don't need to say any more than that the child actors in the film are really bad. Finally, and perhaps the most damning thing against the film, is the ever present feeling I got that Naomi Harris was overacting very hard for the film. I don't want to put the whole thing on her though because certainly some blame can be put on the writers for her dialogue, but for a film (and genre) that typically relies on a superstar lead to carry the show, I regret to say that Harris was unable to give me a convincing performance.

Despite all this, the film is still enjoyable due to its tidy script and short runtime. Not a bad film, but no need to run to the theatres to watch it.

I'm pretty sure that if this was a stage play, let's say a theater experience could have been a 10.

It's one of those greatly written plays, that in the context of a movie it gets lost.

For a movie, so much dialogue turns boring... specially nowadays when everything seems to go faster or have the need to be resolved as soon as possible.

I don't know if this was a stage play or not, but as satisfaction goes I would have enjoyed it more if the experience involved an outing and a chat with a friend over coffee.

I'm one of the few who can relate to the bullying in school, and the fantasies of revenge... Not intense enough to make it a movie. Nobody is that messed up, unless you were always a total psycho.

This movie is a remarkable testament to the power of a finely crafted screenplay and the intricate show of character interactions, both of which the writing executes with admirable skills.

The story may not be particularly resourceful, but those who appreciate conversation heavy drama enriched with well timed dialogues will find themselves pleasantly surprised.

Discourses are artfully crafted and delivered with impeccable timing and finesse, a credit to the outstanding performances of Naomie Harris and Natalie Dormer, who have brought their roles to life, kept me engaged from start to finish.

Follows Heather (Naomie Harris) and Carla (Natalie Dormer), after being childhood schoolfriends, meet after not having spoken in years. Heather has done well in life, while Carla has a gambler for a husband, 4 kids and struggles to make ends meet. Heather makes contact with Carla and has a surprising proposition to put to her that could change their lives forever.

Harris and Dormer are the two main actors in this taut thriller, and they do very well too. I've never actually seen Dormer act in anything (I never watched GOT) but she carried this role really well and was totally believeable as Carla. It's got lot's of tension, lots of unanswered questions along the way, lot's of misinterpretations by the viewer and a few twists to boot. All in all it has the ingredients of a good film and while the directing and cinemaphotography are not ground breaking or outstanding, they're both more than equal to the task. Unusually for me I sat and watched from start to finish without a break and never once felt bored. There was some interesting and thought provoking questions raised too, about revenge, guilt, forgiveness and shame, and it made me think of my childhood and how it affects my adult life. I absolutely loved the ending, even though it was totally unexpected. Overall a great thriller with fine performances and I give it a solid 7.

Spanish director Guillem Morales delivers an intense thriller that pleasantly surprises with its interpretive strength. It is one of those rare feature films that exudes its theatrical origin from the beginning, but remains absolutely cinematic in every sense.

As we enter into the story proposed by screenwriter Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, who adapts her own play, obtaining a film that constantly surprises you with the force with which it explores past traumas and desperation so that as spectators we fall into a game of mental duels that bring out the best in its two performers. Both main characters feel trapped like the eloquent metaphors with which their director gives us clues in its powerful beginning.

Both Naomi Harris and Natalie Dormer enter into a duel of characters with intense monologues and all the expressive talent of two great actresses who absolutely take over the film and make you have great moments of resentment, sorrow and madness. All stimulated by the talent of the Spanish director who manages to make his debut in English with all the intelligence and wisdom of a director who knows how to handle suspense with absolute greatness. If we take into account his previous works, it is a sure bet for the film to be as efficient as it is, and to have a great director behind it.

The Spanish director's direction takes us on a journey full of tension and suspense, with the particularity of having some wild and attractive twists, with a disturbing and dramatic piece that contains a lot in its 96 minutes and that remains in the memory beyond its final credits.

A surprising and distressing ending with a masterful handling of atmosphere, tension and details make this a great film that is worth giving your time to and enjoying as one of those little gems that always come to surprise us with satisfaction.

Quite a difficult one to review is this. On one hand it's a twisty turny psychological drama, on the other it's a far fetched, one act play that isn't very cinematic.

Let's do the bad bits first. The plot is very far fetched. Are we supposed to believe that the lovely Natalie Dormer is a council house chav with four kids. Are we supposed to believe that she is really an assassin for hire? She can't smash windows? You will have many more when you watch this.

Noemie Harris hasn't got a lot of range and can't do angry very well.

On the other hand the movie changes, after about an hour, with a big twist that will suddenly perk up your interest.

It's ok, watchable, but nothing super special.

In dark Bath-based British dramatic-thriller "The Wasp" middle-class Naomie Harris is stuck in a loveless marriage to douchey Dominic Allburn, so reaches out to pregnant old school-bully 'friend' Natalie Dormer with an indecent proposal... but as the two discuss details etc together, it becomes apparent that all ain't what it seems. For his debut screenplay Morgan Lloyd Malcolm adapted his own play (it has the clear feel of being based on a play) which Guillem Morales brings modestly home (with its various flaws) as his first English-language film as director. It's original, and decently engaging, though it lacks the strong stinging edge that woulda made it great.

I didn't expect much seeing the ridiculous IMDB rating but noticing some intelligent praise about this film from others. All of us who saw it really enjoyed it.

A woman is in the middle of an abusive relationship and feels trapped. She turns to her childhood friend whom she hasn't seen in many years, with whom she shared a jarring experience but admired her friend's seeming innate bravery and ability to do what this trapped woman could not. And that act is to get rid of her miserable, abusive husband. But there is a much deeper meaning to the wasps in this movie, which take on literal, comparable, metaphoric roles in this film in a very clever way.

The acting is seriously top notch as this film is all about whether the main characters can pull off their performances and boy do they ever. These two women are absolutely riveting. I saw a comment about a child actor who plays a very small role and it was actually perfectly played as a clueless neighbor and a funny scene at that.

What probably drove this film's rating downward is that it doesn't have an ending that would make many 'happy' and what they'd want to see. But it's quite clear from all that occurs that it's definitely the right one. It may not have the huge punch that some were expecting - but that's likely because they were looking in the completely wrong place. What would drive someone to their limits? That's what this film is about and I'm guessing some may relate personally.

This is a rare gem and is easily a major cut above average. Anyone who says it isn't is not being honest with you.

No pun intended - the movie has some strong and stellar main performances! It also has some strong and not easy to watch scenes - for a thriller it does quite a lot right ... on the other hand it also relies heavily on chance, convenient timing and luck ... not to mention certain things that do not make sense at all .. or rather should void the plan in and of itself.

If you've seen the movie you understand what I mean - if not you may scratch your head while you are watching this. I reckon memory can be strange - we do forget things from our childhood ... on the other hand those things are touched upon ... and it doesn't seem to gel ... so it suspension of disbelief is quite high ... this really bets on the viewers not caring too much about logic ... and just being entertained by the story and the twists that come along the way ... what will it be for you then? Don't hold it in for too long.

This film is based off a play. That's why it may be moving slow at times, it may feel brainy, and intellectual.

Behind it, there is a great analysis on psychological scarring, social abuse, and perpetuating said abuse, in cycles that for some individuals seem inescapable.

Very well acted. Natile Dorman is a chameleon on her choice of roles and show her amazing range. But the same should be said about Naomi Harris. Both dig deep and bring forth a balance range of acting chops that should get them some award considerations.

The film is so full of human and social commentaries that I can see it being shown in Universities and even Senior courses in some high-schools, to elicit conversations about the topics dwells in.

I hope it gets a bit more love in the ratings with the passing of time.

Usually, i recommend movies only if they are >6.5/10. Except for horror movies, a 6/10 horror movie is recommendable. THE WASP is on the verge of recommendation : It's a good movie, i kinda liked it but i cannot recommend it because there are better movies to watch. Too many movies, too little time. Of course, if you are a fan of this genre, you're gonna like it.

This is something like a drama movie with mystery/thriller elements. It felt like a stage play. At some point, it became an one location movie. Story was interesting, i was somewhat invested, and it got really dark after the first hour. There were some nice twists (nothing mindblowing though) and i should say that this is a movie which respect its viewers : Nothing felt out of place, it was cohesive and kinda made sense.

But i can't rate it higher because, even though it kinda made sense, still it was not that convincing. Especially the ending. I was not convinced about what happened in the ending. Too far fetched and unrealistic. Had it ended better, it would have been easily a 7/10 movie.

Both actresses did a very good job.

And the final scene was touching.

Heather (Naomie Harris) and Carla (Natalie Dormer) are childhood school friends who fell out. They have not seen each other since then. Out of the blue, Heather contacts Carla. Carla is working a dead-end job and pregnant with her fifth from her loser husband. Heather wants to hire Carla to murder her abusive husband.

The starting premise doesn't really work. It makes no sense that Carla would come to meet Heather unless she wants to apologize. At some point, she should be concerned that she's the one getting murdered. The childhood is too brutal. It's too much to be ignored and there is no way that Carla could ignore it. The story would work without it, but it wouldn't be quite as dramatic. It needs to be fixed, but there is no easy fix. This movie does have two great leads. There is a potential for a great Hitchcockian thriller.

Overall ok, just not fine art.

It is a bit disappointing movie. I finished it, but I dont like it.

First of all, the scene of bully is boring, we have all been through the school drama, but the script is just weird. If they want to expose the violence and pain in school scenes, it is not a successful and drama enough and not outstanding enough.

For the hate from the housewife, it is very weird. I think the whole movie is a crazy movie to odd and make audience feel bad with a bad art. Maybe people put work on it, but as a normal audience, I dont think it is a 9 score movie, no reflection out of it, no fun out of it.

I expect more from this movie, but failed.

In England, the black Heather (Naomie Harris) wants to have a baby with her husband Simon (Dominic Allburn), but he neglects and does not give much attention to her. Out of the blue, she looks for her former schoolmate and friend in their adolescence, Carla (Natalie Dormer), who works as cashier of a supermarket and is seven-month pregnant. However, they do not talk to each other for many years. Heather offers fifty thousand pounds to Carla to kill her husband, who is unfaithful to her. In principle, Carla is reluctant, but when the proposal is increased to seventy-five thousand pounds, Carla accepts the deal. She goes to Heather's house to discuss the arrangements but soon Heather washes the dirty laundry and recalls how they became estranged to each other with tragic consequences.

"The Wasp" (2024) is a theatrical thriller about an evil revenge. The talkative plot is a cat and mouse game with a well-planned conclusion. The original film has great twists and is basically supported by Naomie Harris and Natalie Dormer, who have magnificent performances. The teenage cast has also a great work. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "A Vespa" ("The Wasp")

If you liked "Gone Girl"...you'll definitely like this one.

The movie starts a bit boring, but you get the feeling this director is up to something weird... Suddenly you are in the middle of thrill. You set upright on your coach and feel anything could happen.... Both actress did their very best. Completely convincing. The director did a great job and picking the right angle to shoot at. All within a very conservative atmosphere.

The end is what it's all about. I did very much like the way they handled it. Couldn't ever be better than that.

I watched it twice and I'd see it again maybe soon.

Lately I've been watching a lot of thriller/mystery movies, some better rated than this one, but most of the time I figured out the entire story after twenty minutes which is not really beneficial for my personal ratings. The Wasp took me by surprise though, didn't see this one coming and that's what I like about movies in this genre. Not a complete satisfying ending but still much better than what I was expecting considering the rather low ratings. Naomie Harris and Natalie Dormer played the two main characters and they did a really good job in my opinion. The entire story/movie is about them but it never got boring, on the contrary. A good watch if you like surprising twists and turns.

After reading reviews that this film was pretty mediocre - boy was I surprised! Never seen or heard of any of the actors, but I can't really fault them, the 2 female leads are particularly strong! The movie is all about revenge, from bullying that originated in high school, everybody holds grudges, I definitely do! And I definitely don't blame the lead lady for her need for revenge! Although the subject matter is a little unpleasant, it makes for an excellent little gem of a movie! I loved it! 9/10!

The setting and ideas for the movie are also very clever and not something I have seen before either! You really can't judge a book by its appearance, and the characters in this movie really reinforce this! Some people can look ok but they're seriously not! People also need to not put up with harassment and bullying!

Originality is sooo rare nowadays. Remake after remake, same old formula after same old formula.

This movie is a breath of fresh air. You may safely belive the big-name critics who went nuts for the project, saying it was the best thing they had ever seen.

Such films prove that there is no need to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to be a success. You just need a truly original idea, and then a skilled scriptwriter, and then a decent director, and then decent actors and actresses.

Creativity is alive and well! One warning only: this movie is not for the faint-hearted. A well-deserved 10/10.