What Is Last Night in Soho About?
The premise of Last Night in Soho in 237 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the bustling heart of contemporary London, Eloise—a bright, ambitious fashion design student—finds herself drawn to the glittering allure of the 1960s. The city’s past beckons like a runway of forgotten styles, and her fascination soon becomes more than a hobby when she begins to slip into a vivid, otherworldly version of the era. The film paints the capital as a living collage of neon signs and retro cafés, where the rhythm of vintage music and the shimmer of haute couture mingle, creating a dream‑like atmosphere that feels both intoxicating and unsettling.
Within this shifting landscape, Eloise encounters Sandie, an aspiring singer whose charisma and ambition mirror her own creative hunger. Their unexpected connection weaves together two distinct worlds—one rooted in modern ambition, the other steeped in the smoky glamour of 1960s showbiz. As Eloise absorbs the sights and sounds of the past, the line between inspiration and obsession begins to blur, hinting at deeper currents beneath the surface of the glittering scene.
Guiding her through both present and past, Gran Peggy offers a grounding presence, reminding Eloise of family ties and the lingering shadows of loss. Alongside supportive peers like John and the enigmatic caretaker Ms. Collins, she navigates a city that feels simultaneously familiar and uncanny. The tone balances stylish elegance with an undercurrent of tension, inviting the audience to wonder how far the pull of a bygone era will reach into Eloise’s own future.
What Happens in Last Night in Soho?
The complete story of Last Night in Soho, from the first scene to the last, in 654 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 10 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The story begins with Eloise “Ellie” Turner (Thomasin McKenzie) gracefully dancing in her room. A passionate aspiring fashion designer, she resides with her grandmother, affectionately known as Gran Peggy (Rita Tushingham). Despite her ambitions, Ellie lives with the shadow of grief from her mother’s untimely death (Aimee Cassettari), who occasionally materializes in her mirror reflections. When Peggy presents Ellie with a letter announcing her acceptance into a prestigious fashion school in London, Ellie is overjoyed, even as Peggy cautions her about the dangers lurking in the city.
Eager for her new adventure, Ellie embarks on a train journey to London and is taken to her new room by the taxi driver (Colin Mace), whose unsettling remarks leave her feeling uneasy. Choosing to dodge his gaze, she steps off at a nearby shop and eventually arrives at her room, where she meets her roommate, Jocasta (Synnove Karlsen). As they go out together, Ellie learns about her mother’s struggles with mental health leading to her tragic end. In the ladies’ room, she overhears Jocasta making disparaging remarks about her, prompting Ellie to leave the pub. On her way back, she encounters a mysterious older man, a Silver-Haired Gentleman (Terence Stamp), who watches her with a smirk.
That night, while trying to sleep, Ellie is disturbed by Jocasta bringing a man back to their shared space. She steps outside to find a party in full swing, where her only ally is a kind classmate named John (Michael Ajao). Late the next morning, Ellie rushes to her first class just in time for attendance. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she relocates to a boarding house run by the enigmatic Ms. Collins (Diana Rigg), who lays down strict rules and lends Ellie the bedroom upstairs.
All at once, Ellie finds herself transported back to the vibrant and tumultuous 1960s. She enters the splendid Café de Paris, marveling at her own reflection as a young woman named Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy). Intrigued, she observes Sandie’s dreams of stardom and the unwanted advances of a rough patron. When Jack (Matt Smith) intervenes, only to charm Sandie, Ellie feels a strange connection to them both, leading to a series of surreal encounters across time. After witnessing Sandie’s career aspirations, Ellie finds inspiration to create a stunning dress design mirroring Sandie’s style.
As Ellie continues to navigate this spiral of the past and present, her excitement soon turns to dread. She uncovers darker truths about Sandie and Jack’s relationship, revealing that the music industry is not as glittering as it seems when Sandie becomes entangled in a web of exploitation and abuse. Caught in her own battles with this haunting tale, Ellie grapples with her nightmares, the burden of her family’s history, and the ghosts of abused women from the past.
Despite her attempts at a semblance of normalcy, the shadows of the past loom large, and her psyche begins to unravel, culminating in terrifying hallucinations and violent confrontations. Desperate to understand the fate of Sandie, Ellie is propelled further into her traumatic history, where she discovers a sinister connection between Ms. Collins and Sandie that shatters her perception of time and identity.
In a dramatic climax, Ellie faces an unexpected betrayal as Ms. Collins reveals her true identity and the horrifying legacy of her life as Sandie. As flames engulf the house, Ellie is forced to confront the darkness of both their lives. In an act of selflessness, Ellie fights to save herself and John from the inferno, while Ms. Collins chooses to meet her demise on her own terms.
Months later, with the ghosts of her past finally laid to rest, Ellie triumphantly showcases her designs in a fashion show, surrounded by support from Gran Peggy and John. As she basks in her success, she is briefly reunited with visions of her mother’s smile and the fading reflection of Sandie, acknowledging the scars of the past while embracing a hopeful future.
Last Night in Soho Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Ellie's Dance” to “Reunion with Ghosts”. 8 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Ellie's Dance
The story begins with Eloise 'Ellie' Turner gracefully dancing in her room. This moment reflects her passion for fashion and the joy she finds as a budding designer, but it also hints at the underlying grief she carries from losing her mother.
- 2
Gran Peggy's Gift
Ellie's grandmother, affectionately known as Gran Peggy, surprises her with a letter of acceptance into a prestigious fashion school in London. This announcement fills Ellie with excitement but also draws a caution from Peggy about the dangers that lie ahead.
- 3
Train Journey to London
Eager for her new adventure, Ellie boards a train to London, filled with dreams and aspirations. The journey symbolizes a departure from her past, yet the unsettling remarks from the taxi driver upon her arrival foreshadow the challenges she will face.
Where:Train
- 4
Meeting Jocasta
Upon reaching her new room, Ellie meets her roommate, Jocasta, who is outgoing and fashionable. As they venture out together, Ellie learns of her mother’s struggles with mental health, deepening her sense of connection to her family's dark legacy.
Where:Room
- 5
Disparaging Remarks
While trying to enjoy a night out, Ellie overhears Jocasta making unkind remarks about her in the ladies' room. Feeling alienated and hurt, Ellie decides to leave the pub and step away from the social scene that surrounds her.
Where:Pub
- 6
Encounter with the Silver-Haired Gentleman
On her way back from the pub, Ellie encounters a mysterious older man known as the Silver-Haired Gentleman. His smirk leaves Ellie with an unsettling feeling, adding to the growing sense of unease she experiences in her new environment.
Where:Street
- 7
Moving to Ms. Collins' Boarding House
After a tumultuous first night with her roommate, Ellie decides to move into a boarding house run by the enigmatic Ms. Collins. The strict rules and intriguing atmosphere provide her with a new sense of hope, albeit mixed with suspicion.
Where:Ms. Collins' Boarding House
- 8
Transported to the 1960s
Once settled in, Ellie mysteriously finds herself transported back to the vibrant 1960s, where she meets a young woman named Sandie. This surreal experience ignites her fascination with Sandie's dreams of stardom and introduces her to the glamour of the past.
Where:Café de Paris
- 9
Ellie's Inspiration
As Ellie observes Sandie's struggles and interactions, she gains inspiration to create a stunning dress design. This pivotal moment connects her own aspirations with the haunting realities of those who came before her.
- 10
Dark Revelations
As Ellie delves deeper into Sandie's story, she uncovers darker truths about the music industry's exploitation. The harsh reality starkly contrasts with her initial fascination, sending Ellie into a spiral of anxiety and reflection on her own circumstances.
Show the other 5 events of Last Night in Soho Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Psychological Unraveling
Caught in the haunting narrative, Ellie's psychological state begins to unravel as she faces terrifying hallucinations. The weight of her family's legacy and Sandie's tragic fate converge, leading Ellie to confront her fears and insecurities.
- 12
Confrontation with Ms. Collins
In a dramatic twist, Ellie discovers that Ms. Collins has a sinister connection to Sandie's past. This revelation shatters her perception of time and identity, forcing her to confront the terrifying legacy that haunts both women.
Where:Ms. Collins' Boarding House
- 13
Climactic Fire
As flames engulf the boarding house, Ellie is faced with a life-or-death situation. In an act of selflessness, she fights to save herself and John, culminating in a confrontation that leads to Ms. Collins's ultimate fate.
Where:Ms. Collins' Boarding House
- 14
A New Beginning
Months later, Ellie showcases her designs at a fashion show, a triumphant moment filled with the support of Gran Peggy and John. This success signifies her healing journey where she acknowledges her past while embracing a hopeful future.
- 15
Reunion with Ghosts
In a reflective moment during the fashion show, Ellie experiences a fleeting reunion with the ghosts of her past, including her mother and Sandie. This bittersweet encounter serves as a reminder of her journey, as she learns to honor her scars and move forward.
Who Are the Main Characters in Last Night in Soho?
4 characters, among them Eloise Turner, Sandie and Ms. Collins: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Eloise Turner
Played by Thomasin McKenzie
Eloise, known as Ellie, is a passionate aspiring fashion designer whose dreams are shadowed by grief from her mother's death. She is empathetic and determined, yet struggles with self-doubt as she navigates the challenges of her new life in London.
- 👗 Fashion
- 🌈 Ambition
- 😢 Grief
-
Sandie
Played by Anya Taylor-Joy
Sandie, a glamorous young woman from the 1960s, embodies the allure and tragedy of the era's dreams of stardom. Her journey through the entertainment industry reveals her vulnerability amid the charm, showing a stark contrast between her ambitions and the grim realities she faces.
- 🎤 Stardom
- 🌟 Glamour
- 😞 Exploitation
-
Ms. Collins
Played by Diana Rigg
Ms. Collins, the enigmatic boarding house owner, initially appears to offer Ellie stability but conceals a dark connection to Sandie's life. Her character adds mystery and tension, ultimately revealing deeper truths that intertwine the past and present.
- 🏚️ Mystery
- 😈 Betrayal
- 🕰️ Past
-
Jack
Played by Matt Smith
Jack is a charming yet complex figure in Sandie's life, representing the allure and dangers found within the entertainment industry. His character complicates the narrative, embodying both attraction and the potential for exploitation.
- 💔 Charm
- 🎤 Dark Side
- ❓ Ambiguity
Where and When Is Last Night in Soho Set?
Last Night in Soho is set in London and Café de Paris (1960s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1960s
The 1960s was a radical decade marked by social upheaval, cultural revolutions, and significant changes in music and fashion. This era is characterized by the rise of counterculture movements and a burgeoning music scene, which influences the aspirations and struggles faced by Ellie and Sandie.
Where
London, Café de Paris
London serves as the backdrop for Ellie's journey, a bustling city known for its rich culture and vibrant arts scene. The iconic Café de Paris, a glamorous venue, represents the allure of the 1960s entertainment industry, where dreams of stardom intersect with darker realities.
- 🏙️ City
- 🎭 Entertainment
What Are the Themes of Last Night in Soho?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Time Travel, Identity Crisis and Exploitation.
-
01
Time Travel
The theme of time travel manifests as Ellie is transported back to the 1960s, allowing her to experience both the glamour and chaos of that era. This exploration of the past contrasts with her present struggles, deepening her connection to Sandie's story and revealing the cyclical nature of history.
-
02
Identity Crisis
Eloise's journey intertwines with her search for identity amidst the haunting truths of her family's past. As she delves deeper into Sandie's life, Ellie grapples with her own sense of self, leading to unsettling revelations about her history and the impact it has on her present.
-
03
Exploitation
The narrative sheds light on the darker underbelly of the entertainment industry, portraying the exploitation faced by women like Sandie. Ellie’s journey highlights the contrast between ambition and the dangers that often accompany the pursuit of dreams in a male-dominated world.
How Does Last Night in Soho End?
The last act of Last Night in Soho and what it means, in 203 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the end, Ellie’s obsession with Sandie and her hallucinations reveal the deep connection between her mental state and her fascination with the past. As she uncovers the truth about Sandie’s fate—that she did kill Jack in a moment of liberation rather than being murdered—and learns that Sandie survived by hiding, Ellie’s perception of reality shatters further. When Sandie tries to kill Ellie in the burning room, Ellie fights back, and Sandie ultimately chooses to burn herself alive, ending her torment and the cycle of abuse. These events leave Ellie emotionally scarred but also liberated, as she escapes the house and avoids being overtaken by the ghosts of the past. Her survival and subsequent success in fashion design suggest that she has begun to move on, but her visions of Sandie persist, indicating that her obsession is not entirely over. Sandie’s survival and her final act of self-immolation imply that her spirit is finally free from the city’s darkness, and Ellie’s journey shows that sometimes giving closure to past traumas requires confronting the truth, even when it’s harrowing. Ultimately, the film explores how unresolved guilt, trauma, and obsession can haunt a person, and that healing might come only through facing those ghosts head-on.
What Kind of Film Is Last Night in Soho?
Dark in tone, with variable pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A stylish, anxiety-inducing psychological thriller that blends nostalgic 1960s glamour with a sinister underbelly, immersing the viewer in a dreamlike yet disturbing descent into a traumatic past.
- anxious
- dreamlike
- melancholic
- unsettling
- atmospheric
- hazy
- grief and loss
- time travel
- exploitation
- psychological unraveling
Content notes: murder, sexual exploitation, suicide, psychological abuse, house fire.
Quiz
How well do you remember Last Night in Soho? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Last Night in Soho
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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