Dragonfly is an intense, kitchen-sink drama that veers into what could only be described as domestic horror towards the end. The film centres on Elsie, an elderly woman who lives by herself, and is visited only by carers who make little effort to befriend her. She begins to build a friendship with her neighbour, Colleen, who one day decides to check in on her. Things start off wholesome enough, but begin to take a dark turn after Colleen is allowed access to more and more of Elsie’s life. Her son John naturally begins to worry.
The film is excellently written and acted, with stellar performances from Brenda Blethyn (Pride and Prejudice, Vera) and Andrea Riseborough (Birdman, Possessor). Blethyn’s portrayal of Elsie powerfully conveys the loneliness felt by many elderly people. It also highlights the frustration with her son and carers who are, essentially, strangers in her home. This makes her gravitation towards Colleen believable and has the audience rooting for their friendship. Riseborough, in contrast, displays a character who alternates between sympathetic and unsettling. It is a relationship dynamic that many will be familiar with. Everyone has had a friend or neighbour who means well and is helpful, but struggles with boundaries and doesn’t like to be told when they are overstepping. Elsie’s vulnerability as an older person makes the tense moments even more nerve-wracking and will have the audience watching through their fingers.
The picture beautifully balances moments of friendship and humour between its two central characters as well as the steady sense of dread which builds throughout. Whilst there is no scenic imagery, a grounded and uneasy atmosphere is achieved through its use of film grain, creating a visually noisy image on the big screen. This effect is reminiscent of cameras used by most people at home, complementing its mostly domestic setting.
I would like to make mention of Jason Watkins, who plays Elsie’s son, John. Despite his brief appearances, he effectively paints a character that is both sympathetic and detestable. His entrance in the film immediately puts him at odds with Colleen. There is an element of classism to their relationship, as he makes his prejudices immediately known upon meeting her. We can, however, understand his trepidation about letting a complete stranger into his mother’s home, even if some of his actions later in the film are inexcusable. This is a testament to the strength of the script as well as its attention to nuance. The work’s most loathsome character could also be interpreted as a normal, middle-aged man whose worst sin is perhaps being a bit negligent. Overall, Dragonfly depicts a raw, true-to-life story that is both tense and compelling.
The 78th Edinburgh International Film Festival ran from the 14th to the 20th August 2025. Dragonfly screened Out of Competition.
Press images provided by EIFF 2025 for press use.