The Story Beyond Haunting Truths

Read Time:4 Minute, 20 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Black Mass
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Genre: Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Devanny Pinn
Writer(s): Eric Pereira, Devanny Pinn, Brandon Slagle
Cast: Nicky Whelan, Jeremy London, Kathleen Kinmont, Lisa Wilcox
Where To Watch: available February 27, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.cleopatra-entertainment.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Dim the lights and get ready to step into the world of yesteryear. THE BLACK MASS transports viewers to 1978 Florida; it’s not just about the disco vibes and groovy tunes. This movie offers more than a brutal and foreboding blast from the past; it promises a compelling and hauntingly familiar storyline. One that you won’t fully understand until the end of the film. When it clicks, it clicks, though!

Devanny Pinn brings a fresh perspective to a notorious episode of crime history in the United States. Whereas many attempts have been made to reenact these unnerving events, THE BLACK MASS is set apart by its unique narrative angle. Viewers are taken on a chilling, behind-the-scenes tour of an evil personality whose charm hides a web of terror spun around unsuspecting students.

The soul of this film, however, is not just in the dark tale it narrates but in the voices it amplifies the victims.Moving away from traditional storytelling paradigms, this film leans into the lives and spirits of those tragically entwined in the narrative. The movie delivers an emotionally charged and refreshingly novel story, weaving insights from legal accounts and personal testimonies. The narrative’s unforgettable climax reveals a heart-stopping event that will forever be in your memory. It’s a testament to the chilling reality of what transpired, captured unflinchingly by the camera’s eye.

But let’s talk about the stellar casting. Eileen Dietz impeccably embodies the nervous energy of a concerned neighbor, while Sarah Nicklin’s portrayal captures the film’s most crucial moments with finesse. Eva Hamilton, on the other hand, emanates raw intensity. And let’s not forget Devanny Pinn, who, apart from weaving a gripping narrative, places herself right amid the ’70s milieu. Speaking of the ’70s, the team behind THE BLACK MASS deserves applause for vividly recreating an era. The wardrobe, the cinematography – everything screams vintage authenticity.

However, amidst this backdrop, there’s a lurking presence – a figure of menace masterfully portrayed and depicted as a slow, disturbing descent, hinting at the impending chaos through well-placed cinematic cues. At times, we feel like we’re looking at Michael Myers without the mask, an unflinching look at an entity, a killer with no soul and brutality as their outlet.

A segment that stands out is the chilling sequence at the sorority house. It offers a window into the profound depths of human cruelty and serves as a stark wake-up call about the tale’s grim realities. It’s intense, possibly a tad too harsh for some viewers, but vital for the narrative’s authenticity. I won’t lie; it made me pull back, I wasn’t prepared for the brutality, but after learning why, it was still hard to take in but made all the sense in the world. I give a lot of credit to the team for putting this scene on screen.

By merging retro aesthetics with the suspense of a crime thriller, THE BLACK MASS carves out a niche for itself. It’s evident from the get-go that Pinn, though a newcomer to the directorial realm, knows her horror. Her decision to shift focus from the antagonist to the victims’ real stories is bold and laudable.

When the credits roll on THE BLACK MASS, it leaves its mark. The film isn’t just about revealing haunting truths and paying homage to the indomitable spirit of those entangled in the narrative. It offers chills, yes, but also a deep-seated admiration for those who faced adversity and emerged resilient. In the end, the film is about a combination of its pieces.

THE BLACK MASS delivers on all fronts. It masterfully balances authentic crime undertones with an innovative story approach. Even though it delves into some seriously dark depths, it deserves a spot in the cinematic spotlight.

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[photo courtesy of CLEOPATRA ENTERTAINMENT]

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