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Personal Shopper (2016) is a psychological thriller directed by Olivier Assayas, starring Kristen Stewart in the lead role. The film combines elements of mystery, supernatural horror, and introspective drama, offering a moody, atmospheric exploration of grief and the search for identity.

Plot Overview: The story follows Maureen Cartwright (Kristen Stewart), a young American woman living in Paris, working as a personal shopper for a high-profile celebrity. Maureen is also a spiritual medium, and she is grieving the recent death of her twin brother, Lewis. The twins had made a pact that whoever died first would try to send the other a sign from the afterlife.

As Maureen navigates the stylish but lonely world of fashion, she searches for a connection with Lewis’s spirit, hoping for some sort of communication. Along the way, she starts receiving mysterious text messages from an unknown sender, leading her into a suspenseful and ambiguous situation that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural.

Tone & Style: Personal Shopper is a slow-burn thriller, focusing on atmosphere and tension rather than conventional horror or action. It explores themes of isolation, mourning, and the struggle to find meaning after a profound loss. Assayas’s direction is minimalist, creating a sense of unease through long takes, muted color palettes, and moments of eerie silence. The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in Maureen’s solitary and introspective world.

Performances:

• Kristen Stewart delivers a standout performance as Maureen, capturing the character’s vulnerability, frustration, and sense of disconnection. Stewart’s portrayal is subtle yet intense, drawing viewers into Maureen’s internal struggle as she deals with grief and a sense of being lost in her own life. Her performance has been widely praised for its depth and authenticity, cementing her as a compelling dramatic actor.
• The supporting characters, including the mysterious text sender and the unseen presence that Maureen seeks, add to the film’s tension and ambiguity, but the story largely revolves around Stewart’s performance and her ability to convey Maureen’s inner turmoil.

Reception: Personal Shopper received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly for its unique blend of genres and Stewart’s performance. It was praised for its bold, unconventional approach to storytelling and its ability to create an unsettling mood without relying on traditional horror tropes. The film also won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered.

However, reactions from audiences were more mixed. The film’s ambiguous narrative, slow pacing, and open-ended conclusion left some viewers feeling unsatisfied or confused. Others found the film’s willingness to leave questions unanswered to be a strength, adding to its haunting, introspective atmosphere.

Overall Impression: Personal Shopper is a thought-provoking and eerie exploration of grief, identity, and the possibility of an afterlife. It is less about providing clear answers and more about creating a feeling of unease and contemplation. With its blend of psychological depth and supernatural intrigue, the film appeals to those who appreciate arthouse cinema and meditative thrillers. Kristen Stewart’s nuanced performance anchors the film, making it a captivating, if enigmatic, experience.