Charlie Says

Charlie Says, released in 2018, is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of human manipulation, search for identity, and the profound impact of charismatic figures. Directed by Mary Harron, known for her work on "American Psycho," and written by Guinevere Turner, the film delves into the terrifying world of the notorious criminal Charles Manson and his followers, known as the Manson Family. Starring Hannah Murray, Matt Smith, and Sosie Bacon, Charlie Says portrays a dark period of American history through the eyes of three of Manson's most devout followers.

The narrative primarily unveils itself through the perspective of the three women most deeply enthralled within Manson’s fold: Leslie Van Houten (Hannah Murray), Patricia Krenwinkel (Sosie Bacon), and Susan Atkins (Marianne Rendón). The film’s title, Charlie Says, is a reference to the mesmerizing hold still demonstrated by Manson on these women, even as they serve sentences in a solitary section of a California women's prison, for their participation in the infamous 1969 Manson murders.

Matt Smith, best known for his role in "Doctor Who," unleashes a convincing portrayal of Charles Manson. In one moment, Manson projects charismatic allure, luring followers into his web with the promise of free love, acceptance, and a home they may never have had, while the next moment showcases his manipulation, controlling tactics, and eventually, propensity towards horrifying violence. Smith’s portrayal leaves viewers uncomfortable, yet hypnotized, just as Manson had done with his followers.

Hannah Murray shines as the fragile and naïve Leslie Van Houten, effectively evoking empathy within viewers who find themselves both horrified and captivated by her transformation under Manson's influence. Equally impressive is Sosie Bacon as Patricia Krenwinkel, whose struggle with her past and present presents us with a disturbing look at indoctrination and manipulation. Marianne Rendón's haunting portrayal of Susan Atkins rounds off the primary cast brilliantly.

The film's narrative doesn't unfold in linear fashion. Instead, the script interweaves present-day prison life with flashbacks to the "Family's" time at the Spahn Ranch. These non-linear storytelling techniques invite a more in-depth understanding of these women's psychological evolution under Manson's influence. Gradual revelations provide audiences with a broader and more horrifying perspective as the film reaches its dreaded climax, offering a more profound insight into the manipulative tactics Manson employed to maintain his dreadful control over his followers.

Charlie Says also takes care to spotlight the role of Karlene Faith (Merritt Wever), a graduate student who is tasked with teaching the three women while they're in prison. Faith's interactions with the women provide the primary viewpoint of the current timeline as she attempts to dismantle the years of manipulation and convince them of Manson's destructive influence on their lives. This struggle poignantly captures the terrifying aftermath of the events, lending a heartrending depth to the narrative.

Although Charlie Says can be unsettling and intense, it refrains from exploiting the violence that defined the Manson murders. Instead, the film places its focus on the psychological manipulation and control exerted by Manson, offering a unique perspective into the lives of his followers. Director Harron's deft manipulation of tension, combined with cinematographer Crille Forsberg's ability to capture the era's mood with dark, subtle hues, make this film's visual texture as captivating as its narrative.

The performances, particularly those of Smith, Murray, Bacon, and Wever, create an atmosphere that is both horrifying and pitiful, capturing the nuance of the real-life characters they represent. The writing is sharp, favouring a more psychological exploration of the women's lives as Manson’s followers. It provides insight into their devotion to Manson, their subsequent fear as they begin to understand their actions under his control, and the panoptic struggle to come to terms with their horrifying deeds in prison.

Charlie Says is not merely a crime drama; it's a distressing exploration of the catastrophic impacts of manipulation, servitude, and the thirst for belonging. It does not seek to sensationalize the figure of Manson but to dissect the terrifying hold he had over his followers. It's a fascinating, distressing, and deeply human portrayal of a tragic chapter of American history. While not for the faint-hearted, Charlie Says offers audiences a fresh lens through which to view a well-known crime story, making it an important addition to the genre of historical crime dramas.