Mary

Mary is a gripping 2019 maritime horror film directed by Mike Goi, with a riveting screenplay written by Anthony Jaswinski. The film boasts an impressive cast, headlined by Gary Oldman and Emily Mortimer, with commendable side performances by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Stefanie Scott, Chloe Perrin, Douglas Urbanski, Jennifer Esposito, and Owen Teague.

Gary Oldman, an Oscar-winning actor best recognised for his role in "Darkest Hour," makes his entrance as David, a hardworking blue-collar man struggling to find fulfillment in his monotonous boss-subordinate life as a long-time fisherman. Oldman beautifully portrays the anguish and frustrations of a man yearning for a better future for his family and yearning for control over his life.

The story picks up when David decides to break free from this taxing life and purchase an ominous 70-year-old yacht named 'Mary'. He expresses a desire to take the helm of his journey by setting up a local charter business, allowing tourists to sign up for scenic voyages.

Emily Mortimer plays the role of David's pragmatic wife, Sarah, who despite her reservations about the vessel, supports her husband's dreams. Mortimer's performance is equally spellbinding, as she slowly transforms from a supportive spouse to a worried woman grappling with unexplained incidents.

The narrative becomes interesting when David, Sarah, and their two daughters, along with the deckhand Mike (played by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), embark on their maiden voyage. The family's initial excitement and joy soon turn into sheer terror as inexplicable events begin to unfold on the ship, threatening their lives and testing their sanity. The film keeps its audience on the edge of their seats as the family desperately tries to figure out the mystery behind the haunting presence plaguing the ship.

"Mary" skilfully uses a non-linear storytelling technique. The immersive cinematography and haunting background scores enhance the suspenseful ambiance throughout the film. Each scene builds upon the increasing unease of the characters and the oppressive feeling of what could possibly transpire next on the abandoned vessel.

As a horror film, Mary masterfully balances elements of the supernatural with an exploration of human fears and reactions under extreme circumstances. While it uses conventional tools of the genre, such as jump-scares and apprehensive tones, it also delves into the psychological aspects of fear and dread. The movie examines how love, unity, and a sense of protection can become destructive forces under pressure and uncertainty.

Oldman's performance is predictably exceptional, portraying a man torn between his family and his dreams. The multi-faceted portrayal of a character crumbling beneath the weight of high hopes and grave reality is one of this film’s major highlights. Mortimer imbues her character with a sense of resilience while also displaying vulnerability. The believable chemistry and interactions between the two add to the storyline's authenticity.

As the narrative thickens, the relationship dynamics and the individual character's battles become the main focus, alongside the growing supernatural menace. The unfolding of the relationship between David, his family, and the eerie boat, form the crux of the movie.

At its core, Mary is a thrilling ride that navigates the deep waters of fear, desperation, and the struggle to hold onto sanity in the face of unimaginable horrors. While it's a horror movie set on a cursed ship, it transcends the boundaries of the genre by focusing on the terror-inducing potential of human emotions and ambitions. It offers a unique blend of psychological thriller elements and supernatural horror, all set within the confines of an ill-fated sea voyage. Although it's a journey filled with foreboding and terror, it’s remarkably enticing, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating each upcoming twist.