Come Along With Me

Come Along With Me is a captivating film from 1982, inspired by the adventurous gust of the supernatural, directed by Joanne Woodward, the Oscar-winning actress for 'The Three Faces of Eve'. The film is a telescreen adaptation of the unfinished novella 'Come Along with Me' by Shirley Jackson, the renowned author known for her chilling horror and mystery tales. This American drama offers an intriguing blend of elements, encompassing mystery, drama, fantasy, and supernaturalism, coming together into a single but powerful narrative that kept its audience gripped to their seats.

Estelle Parsons, winner of the 1967 Best Supporting Actress Oscar, leads the cast with an engaging performance. Her character is a woman named Mabel Lederer, who, after her husband’s death, decides to leave her old life behind and create a new identity. Parsons’ portrayal of a woman seeking change, independence, and adventure after a domestic crisis is very appealing and her metamorphosis into 'Angela Motorman' is compelling. Mabel, or Angela as she now likes to be known, moves to a small town and embarks on her journey, encountering a realm of paranormal activities and visions, hoping to be a medium.

Double Emmy nominee Barbara Baxley delivers a strong performance as Mrs. Wellington, a wealthy widow of the town where Angela moves to. She initially treats Angela with courtesy and friendliness, but as the story unfolds, her character evolves, adding depth to the narrative. Baxley portrays this emotionally complex character, caught in the mesh of tradition and supernatural intrigue convincingly, contributing a significant presence to the film.

Another pivotal character that enriches the film is Joanna, played by Academy Award nominee Sylvia Sidney. Joanna's is a relatively subtle presence, but significant to the overall narrative. She believes she recognizes Angela from her past, and thus, her character becomes an intriguing catalyst in the story. She spirals the narrative into a mystery as she constantly battles herself to acknowledge how Angela has mysteriously entered into their lives.

The supernatural stir in the plot is phenomenally manifested by Estelle Parsons. Her character delves into mysticism, attempting séances and taking cues from her dream patterns. She appears to be a spiritual medium with strange powers, something that decides the course of the story in this town of ordinary people leading ordinary lives.

From a technical point of view, the director Joanne Woodward adeptly positions the ordinary and supernatural together, making an engrossing narrative. The watertight screenplay, paired with the suggestive cinematography that skilfully captures the mysterious ambience of the town, contributes to carving a dramatically intense mood throughout the film. The set design reflects the era the film is supposed to represent authentically and helps anchor the characters, their psychology, and the plot effectively.

Come Along With Me distinguishes itself as a movie for its nuanced storytelling. It is not just a supernatural mystery drama; it also explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the conflict between societal norms and individual rituals. It captures the variety of human emotions experienced when one is faced with the inexplicable, the response of the townsfolk towards Angela who represents a change from their mundane existence.

Throughout Come Along With Me, Estelle Parsons, Barbara Baxley, and Sylvia Sidney give consummate performances. Their individual portrayals are lifelike and gripping and engage the viewer on different levels. Combined with a distinctive storyline and invigorating direction, the movie serves an enchanting supernatural tale laced with mystery and drama. Even after almost four decades since it's release, the film's narrative continues to intrigue viewers, successfully retaining its mystique and appeal over time.

Concisely, Come Along With Me serves as a glimpse into the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of life, taking its audience on a startling journey through the human psyche, supernatural elements and how they blend into the ordinary world. It is an assortment of remarkable performances, peculiar characters, and an engaging storyline that make this movie an unforgettable watch. Whether one seeks a good drama, the thrill of a mystery, or the gust of supernaturalism, this film has something for everyone.