Snip Snip!

Snip Snip! is a British comedy film released in 1998, directed by Guy Jenkin and starring Leslie Phillips and Leslie Grantham. The movie is a dark comedy that delves into the complexities of life, human relationships, and the idiosyncrasies of modern suburban living. The story revolves around Arthur Meredith, a likable but somewhat dodgy gentleman in his late 50s, who decides to move to a quiet suburban street to retire and escape the turmoil of his previous life. Arthur has been living in a small flat above his late wife's funeral parlour and is eager to start anew. When he arrives at his new address, he quickly becomes familiar with his new neighborhood and the peculiar cast of characters that inhabit it. On Arthur's street, there's an air of tranquility and order, which is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious and unsettling neighbor named Mr. Hedges. Mr. Hedges is an elderly gentleman with a sinister aura surrounding him, and Arthur is immediately drawn to his peculiarities. It is revealed that Mr. Hedges has a rather macabre profession – a taxidermist who also works as a part-time window cleaner. This unexpected revelation sparks Arthur's curiosity, and he begins to pry into Mr. Hedges' personal life. Despite his initial reservations, Arthur forms an unlikely friendship with Mr. Hedges, or 'Hedgesy' as he prefers to be called. Their interactions are laced with an air of eccentricity, with both men revealing their unique personalities and the underlying insecurities that they try to conceal from the outside world. Arthur is drawn into a world of taxidermy and amateur sleuthing, which provides a respite from his mundane life. However, things take a sudden turn when the seemingly pleasant life on the street starts to unravel. A series of mysterious events unfolds, leading Arthur to suspect that Mr. Hedges may be involved in a sinister plot. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit, manipulation, and dark secrets that threaten to destroy the idyllic facade of their quiet street. Arthur's amateur investigations become increasingly erratic, as he becomes more entangled in a series of bizarre and fantastical events. With the help of his friend Hedgesy, Arthur embarks on a series of wild goose chases that expose the dark underbelly of their neighborhood. From dodgy solicitors to corrupt local politicians, the true extent of deceit and manipulation begins to surface. As the events spiral out of control, Arthur becomes the unwitting protagonist in a farcical battle against evil forces that are threatening to destroy his new life. His once-tranquil existence is turned upside down by the chaos and turmoil that erupt around him, forcing him to confront the darkness within himself. Snip Snip! is a darkly comedic tale that explores the eccentricities of human relationships and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. The movie's offbeat humor and quirky characters provide an engaging backdrop for a story that delves into themes of identity, human connection, and the unpredictable nature of life. Leslie Phillips brings a lovable, if sometimes bumbling, persona to the role of Arthur, while Leslie Grantham's portrayal of Mr. Hedges adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Throughout the film, Guy Jenkin's direction cleverly juxtaposes dark humor with an almost surreal atmosphere, creating a cinematic experience that is both unsettling and laugh-out-loud funny. The movie's title, Snip Snip!, is an ominous reference to the taxidermy profession of Mr. Hedges, highlighting the delicate balance between life and death that pervades the story. Snip Snip! is a cinematic gem that lingers in the viewer's mind long after the credits have rolled. The film's unique blend of dark humor and offbeat charm will captivate audiences and leave them pondering the intricate workings of human relationships and the unpredictability of life.