As the closing credits appear on the screen, Fashionista director Simon Rumley gives a nod of appreciation to director Nicolas Roeg. No surprise, given that the film is heavily littered with the British icon’s inspiration, including a narrative that is chronologically dismantled leaving the viewer trying to piece everything together.
Set in Austin, Texas, a 30-something couple co-owns a sprawling vintage clothing store. They possess a successful business, but not a successful marriage. After April (Amanda Fuller) discovers her husband Eric (Ethan Embry) philandering with her best friend, her life begins to take further twists and turns. An encounter with a suave stranger in a random bar is the start of a tumultuous journey for April, as he duly coaxes her into a world of his fetishes and fantasies in exchange for designer threads and a taste of the high life.
Running parallel to the main story are several subplots that further intrigue the viewer in trying to decipher what is reality or what is a reflection of April’s dubious sanity. It takes a little while to get into the story, and the fragmented editing does risk alienating the audience (as attested by several walkouts during my screening).
However, persevere. You’ll be rewarded with a clever performance by Fuller, gritty cinematography and a soundtrack that echoes the Austin spirit, and enough twists to keep you guessing. Part mystery, part thriller the film veers away from Rumley’s usual slasher horror offerings and worth seeing if you’re a fan of his work.
