Master

Master is a complex and riveting drama that premiered in 2022. Directed with finesse by Mariama Diallo, making her feature directorial debut, the film deals with themes of racism, identity, and power dynamics in a striking and thought-provoking manner. This suspenseful narrative adeptly explores racial issues within the context of an elite Ivy League university.

Headlining the film is revered actress Regina Hall, bringing depth and gravitas to her role as Gail Bishop, a recently appointed Dean at the fictional Ancaster college. As the first black woman who has ever held this position within the centuries-old institution, Gail finds herself uprooted into a socially complicated terrain. Already having to bear the weight of her prestigious appointment and the societal scrutiny that comes with it, Gail is given additional charge to oversee the comforts and welfare of the first-year students, and specifically monitor the experiences of students of color at Ancaster.

The plot takes a dark curve through personal utopias and unexpected nightmares playing out within the college ground, when, concurrently, two black students, played convincingly by promising newcomers Zoe Renee and Talia Ryder, experience a series of unusual and alarming events. Zoe Renee’s character, Jasmine Moore, is welcomed by an initially promising start to the university life, which quickly warps into an eerie sequence of disconcerting incidents that raise questions about the dark corners of the institution's past and the harsh reality of its present.

Storytelling is interspersed with unsettling discoveries, raising tension and sparking off curiosity about the undercurrents playing out in the lives of the characters and the seemingly prestigious college. Meanwhile, Gail finds herself in the center of growing tension, navigating a system entrenched in traditional values and deep-rooted prejudices. Her struggle juxtaposes the creepy undertones of Jasmine’s experiences, portraying a gripping narrative about racial bias and its implications.

This socio-psychological drama is punctuated by instances of eerie apparitions and unease, putting Master in an unusual intersection of genres. Though based on the very real issues of racism and oppression, the flickering specter of the supernatural weaves in an added layer of mystery and fright. Diallo has cleverly blended elements of the psychological horror genre with a thought-provoking social commentary, creating a narrative that is just as likely to elicit shivers as it is to induce introspective contemplation.

The camerawork and visual aesthetics of the film add significantly to building up the atmosphere of unease and suspense. The film is painted in striking colors, stark and dramatic, assisting in the narrative, and reflecting the overall tone of the film. The thrilling score further enhances the mysterious, and at times haunting, atmosphere.

Regina Hall showcases an outstanding performance, the complexity of her character seeming to unfold naturally under her seasoned portrayal. This, coupled with the hard-hitting performances of the entire cast, reinforces the narrative's dramatic intensity. Zoe Renee especially shines in her role, handling the tricky task of translating her character's fear and confusion to the audience with remarkable agility.

Master is interesting in its careful portrayal of racial tensions, subtle and overt, which it presents through its characters, their interactions, and their individual experiences. The film doesn't shy away from presenting a raw image of the struggles and anxieties minorities face within such institutional structures which are burdened with a history of systemic racism and discrimination, making it a timely and important movie.

In the end, Master delivers a suspenseful, unnerving piece of cinema that excels on multiple levels. With its historical setting, nuanced performances, and a directorial finesse witnessed in Mariama Diallo, it impresses as a compelling debut feature film. Master speaks to ongoing societal struggle with its powerful narrative, which is sure to leave audiences captivated and engaged long after the movie ends.