Stoker is one of the most underrated drama thrillers of recent times. The film tastefully uses color, cinematography and sound design to create the perspective of India, an introvert teen with heightened senses. Because the film is told from India’s perspective we tend to feel more for her character. The few scenes that are not told from India’s perspective leads to suspense in the film because we know the danger that waits for India specifically from Charlie’s character.

One of the most powerful sequences that demonstrate the suspense was when Aunt Gwendolyn comes to visit and discuss Charlie’s arrival with Evelyn. (Around 30 minutes into the film) Gwendolyn leaves after insulting Evelyn and goes to a motel. The sequence is intercut between Aunty Gin in her motel, Evelyn in her bedroom and India in the basement. In both the bedroom and motel, we hear the diegetic sound of a nature show about eagles in the background. The show discusses sibling rivalries amongst the birds and how they can circle their prey for hours waiting for the perfect moment to strike when their prey least expects it. The TV show acts as a sound bridge between both locations. Meanwhile, India eats ice cream in the basement. The score starts as India eats her ice cream cone on the freezer the scene is intercut with Aunt Gin in the phone booth. The score grows louder and louder as we see a figure approaching Aunt Gin. The figure is Charlie and the score reaches it’s loudest as he confronts Aunt Gin and takes off his belt. At the same time India discovers the head of their housekeeper in the freezer and it finally reveals that Charlie is responsible for the disappearances and his true shadow archetype. The sequence is effective because it has seamless transitions and creates suspense as we follow the different characters making discoveries about whom Charlie really is.

Stoker can also be seen as a Coming of Age story. This story type typically focuses on the growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood. Stoker can be seen as a Coming of Age film because it is told from India’s perspective. We follow her where she starts as a kid who doesn’t talk at school and struggles to live up to her mother’s standards. By standing up to the people who put her down in life like her mother and Pitts she grows and is ultimately able to making her own decisions and leaves home to continue her own story.