Doctor Jekyll (2023) Review

If you’re one of those cinema-goers eagerly anticipating the return of Hammer Horror to the big screen, their latest offering, Doctor Jekyll, might leave you both intrigued and confounded.
Directed by Joe Stephenson and penned by Dan Kelly-Mulhern, this gender-switched reboot of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, starring Eddie Izzard in the titular role, promises to take audiences on a different kind of journey through the duality of human nature.

At first glance, the idea of Eddie Izzard, known for her stand-up comedy and versatility, stepping into the shoes of Dr. Nina Jekyll seems enticing. In this updated adaptation of ‘Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde’, Izzard’s character is not discussed as having transitioned, leaving the audience to wondering if this was ever intended to be a dimension of this film – according to Izzard, it wasn’t.

Izzard’s portrayal encompasses both Nina and Rachel, the dual personae of the story. The contrast between sweet, caring Nina and the scenery-chewing Rachel is consistently captivating, though less extreme and stimulating as previous incarnation of this two-sided character. Anyone expecting a grotesque monster and exciting metamorphoses will feel short-changed.

In the film, we follow Rob Stevenson, played by Scott Chambers (also known for his supporting role in Malevolent), a man fresh out of prison seeking a chance at redemption and reconciliation with his ailing daughter.
His dodgy background and nefarious allegiances aside, he has a good heart and intentions, and somehow lands a job as a helper at Nina’s sprawling mansion, a role with responsibilities that extend beyond the typical caregiver duties. Things take a dark turn as he notices wild swings in Nina’s temperament, and his junkie ex-girlfriend suggests a robbery, setting in motion a series of events that test Rob’s mettle.

Stephenson and Kelly-Mulhern take a unique approach to Stevenson’s classic tale. In this version, Jekyll’s medications are the only thing keeping the sinister Rachel Hyde at bay. Izzard’s portrayal manages to convey the brooding menace of Hyde without the need for elaborate makeup, making both sides of the character compelling to watch.

While the film leans into the psychological thriller genre with well-developed characterisations, it occasionally stumbles with forced jump scares that disrupt the overall mood. Towards the end, there is a scene with some extreme effects which too, seems like an afterthought and probably added late in the proceedings when it became clear that this Hammer Horror was looking more like a Hammer drama.

Izzard’s performance is mesmerising, and carries the film. One could question the level of humour that has been permitted in this otherwise serious tale. That said, it would be a shame not to see that side of Izzard’s skillset and during the numerous lulls throughout the film, the comedic element is probably all that maintains the viewer’s interest.

Doctor Jekyll feels like a lower-key horror film than one might expect, and this approach almost works in its favour. It captures the essence of what makes Hammer Horror unique – shaky sets, low-budget props, and hammy acting. It’s the kind of horror that could have had you laughing one moment and jumping out of your seat the next – if only it had been developed further.

The slight imbalance in the film feels like a combination of Joe Stephenson’s mis-interpretation of the heritage, Hammer Studios desperately pushing in new directions hoping for success, and the perceived need to place Eddie and her characters on a pedestal, at the price of losing much of the horror and exhilaration.

The film offers a fresh take on a classic tale, exploring themes of identity and transformation, while Izzard’s portrayal adds a layer of complexity. For those looking for a horror film that challenges expectations and provides a unique spin on a well-known story, Doctor Jekyll could be a film to watch.
But for anyone wanting Eddie Izzard in full hilarious form, or a horror film that will deliver scares and constant stimulation, this film will sadly fall short.

Doctor Jekyll is a thought-provoking film that invites audiences to question the boundaries of identity and the depths of human nature, all while delivering a dose of classic horror charm. Eddie Izzard’s performance is the film’s standout feature.
Like any other British horror film fan, this critic would love to see Hammer rise to its former gory glory, and this release can be seen as a positive, though smaller than expected step forward. Hammer’s last notable outing in modern horror, The Woman in Black (2012), held more promise.

Let’s hope Hammer can work around Universal’s strangle-hold on the classic monster licensing to bring back some of our favourites for a new generation of horror lovers.

Movie Rating:

Doctor Jekyll trailer