Wow was Harry Melling’s portrayal of Edgar Allen Poe astounding! Sometimes I’m hesitant to see people’s representations of real people in films, since I already have my own idea about what they looked like, how they spoke, their mannerisms, etc. However, I’m happy that I got the chance to see Poe represented this way. Along with Melling, Christian Bale also gave a memorable performance (as always), and the rest of the cast played their roles well.
*Please Note: I watched this film via VidAngel so my criticism is subjective to filters including things pertaining to sex and nudity, so if there was more than my content advisory mentions (end), then I am unaware of it.
Summary
After a string of murders occur at West Point college, an inspector enlists the help of a budding author who is well-versed in matters of the macabre. However, his help soon turns to suspicion and as the film progresses, we see that things are not always as they seem…
Likes
Representation of Poe. I didn’t expect the character to be portrayed with such child-like innocence, which is very refreshing to see in a character who is always portrayed as dark and brooding.
Setting. The fact that the story takes place in a place where Poe attended as a youth sets up for a plot that is somewhat believable as well as a driving force for the plot’s progression and the shocking reveal.
Twist. I am a sucker for good twists in thrillers and this one I didn’t see coming. The film veered the viewers sites to one potential killer (or two), but in the end, using clues scattered throughout, turns the whole plot on its head.
Dislikes
The “villains.” I was somewhat relieved to find out the villains that the plot originally contained were not the main villains of the story, because I thought they were rather predictable and cliché.
Recommendation
Overall, the VidAngel version of this Netflix film did not disappoint. The plot, setting, and characters of Poe and the inspector were my favorite elements of this film, and I would recommend it to those who like to watch historical fiction, gothic dramas, and murder mysteries.
| Content Advisory |
| Language: 2/5 |
| Sex: 2/5 |
| Violence/Gore: 5/5 |
| Drugs/Alcohol: 3/5 |
