The Wasp (2024), directed by Guillem Morales and adapted from Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s 2015 play, is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of revenge, class disparity, and the enduring impact of childhood trauma. The narrative centers on Heather (Naomie Harris), a wealthy yet despondent housewife trapped in a loveless marriage with her husband, Simon (Dominic Allburn). Haunted by infertility and Simon’s infidelity, Heather becomes fixated on a wasp infestation in her home, symbolizing the underlying tensions in her life. In a desperate bid to reclaim control, she reaches out to her estranged childhood friend, Carla (Natalie Dormer), a pregnant mother of four struggling to make ends meet. Heather proposes a shocking arrangement: a substantial sum of money in exchange for Carla’s assistance in murdering Simon.

As the plot unfolds, the film intricately explores the complexities of Heather and Carla’s rekindled relationship, revealing buried secrets and past traumas that have shaped their current lives. The story is structured into three acts, with the first depicting their reunion and Heather’s proposition, the second focusing on the meticulous planning of the crime within Heather’s meticulously arranged townhouse, and the third culminating in a tense and unexpected confrontation that challenges perceptions of victimhood and agency. The performances of Harris and Dormer are central to the film’s impact, delivering intense and nuanced portrayals that elevate the narrative’s psychological depth. Critics have praised the film for its suspenseful storytelling and the dynamic chemistry between the leads, with Sheila O’Malley of RogerEbert.com noting, “Watching Harris and Dormer create this event together is why I love going to the movies.