Before his prominent role in the Netflix hit series Stranger Things, Joseph Quinn gained recognition for his work in the 2020 British psychological thriller Make Up. Directed by Claire Oakley, the film achieved an impressive 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and features Quinn as Tom, the enigmatic boyfriend of the young protagonist Ruth, played by Molly Windsor. Set in a remote seaside caravan park in Cornwall, the story unfolds as Ruth confronts suspicions of betrayal and unexplained events during the off-season months.
A Haunting and Atmospheric Thriller Set in a Desolate Seaside Park
Make Up marks Claire Oakley’s debut feature film and has been praised for its eerie yet restrained mood. The deserted caravan park setting adds a chilling backdrop, with critic Phil de Semlyen of Time Out remarking that it
“makes ‘The Shining’s’ Overlook Hotel look a canny choice of vacation spot.”
This comparison highlights the film’s unsettling atmosphere, which recalls the tension and ambiguity found in Nicolas Roeg’s 1973 thriller Don’t Look Now—another film about a troubled couple confronting mysterious forces.
Genre-Defying Story Exploring Human Emotion and Sexual Awakening
Though Make Up contains thriller elements, it stops short of traditional horror. John Defore of The Hollywood Reporter described it as offering “thriller-ish possibilities” but noted that its
“blood-red clues point not to a climactic gory resolution but to a deepening of the film’s more universal human mysteries.”
The movie expertly blends psychological suspense with a coming-of-age tale, focusing on Ruth’s emotional and sexual awakening amidst her deteriorating relationship with Tom. This nuanced portrayal moves beyond supernatural scares to explore real human fears and desires.
Joseph Quinn’s Performance Highlights His Dramatic Range
In his role as Tom, Joseph Quinn captivates by portraying a charming yet secretive figure, allowing his dramatic abilities to stand out without reliance on special effects or fantasy elements. Unlike his later characters in Stranger Things or upcoming roles such as the Roman emperor Geta in Gladiator II, Quinn’s performance in Make Up is grounded in the raw tension of ordinary life. The film enables viewers to appreciate his talent through a subtle, character-driven narrative.
Why ‘Make Up’ Deserves Attention From Joseph Quinn Fans and Drama Enthusiasts
Make Up offers a compelling, atmospheric experience that should appeal to fans of Joseph Quinn as well as viewers drawn to thoughtful psychological dramas. Its near-perfect critical reception underscores its quality, while its intimate exploration of jealousy and desire provides a fresh perspective in the thriller genre. For those interested in experiencing Quinn’s early work beyond his breakout success, this film is a revealing look at his ability to convey complexity without spectacle.
