The Last Thing Mary Saw

The Last Thing Mary Saw is an enthralling, unnerving, and darkly atmospheric movie that came out in 2021. Directed and written by Edoardo Vitaletti, the film is an impeccable union of drama, horror, and thriller genres. The movie features compelling performances from lead actors Stefanie Scott, Daniel Pearce, and Isabelle Fuhrman, while the likes of Philip Hoffman, Carol Kane, and Rory Culkin make significant contributions in their respective roles.

The storyline is set in the winter of 1843 with the vivid cinematography immersing you in an intense, gripping atmosphere from the onset. The movie centers around a young woman named Mary (played by Stefanie Scott), and Eleanor, her maid, both living in a secluded, austere, and intensely religious household in rural New York.

Mary and Eleanor's surreptitious romantic relationship forms the spine of the narrative. Their forbidden love is the beating heart of the story, which soon spirals into a harrowing tale of panic, repression, and spiritual beliefs. Mary's stern and devoutly religious grandparents, masterfully portrayed by Judith Roberts and Philip Hoffman, hold the reins in the stifling homestead where the outside world is virtually nonexistent, and the rules are severe.

The palpable tension escalates when the family's matriarch discovers Mary and Eleanor's clandestine relationship. The brutal aftermath is fueled by their staunch religious beliefs, and the punishment is unforgiving. Eleanor is unceremoniously expelled from the house, and Mary's world starts to rapidly unravel. The household, once a somewhat peaceful place for Mary, becomes her prison, physically and emotionally.

The movie is a well-woven tapestry of intense emotions, psychological terror, sensual undertones, and supernatural elements. The director, Vitaletti brilliantly uses religious symbolism and superstitions to underpin the film's disquieting ambiance. He skillfully showcases a world wherein religion, far from providing comfort and guidance, becomes a weapon of control, subjugation, and judgment.

Stefanie Scott, in the role of Mary, delivers a captivating performance, beautifully portraying her character's evolution from stifled innocence to rebellious strength. She artfully conveys the complexity of a young woman caught between her pious upbringing and her genuine feelings for Eleanor. Isabelle Fuhrman complements her as Eleanor, perfectly mirroring her hopeless longing for freedom and acceptance.

On the other hand, Philip Hoffman gives an exceptional performance as the stern patriarch, quietly invoking dread with his unbending religious convictions. He is an embodiment of the zealous fanaticism that fuels the film's disturbing narrative.

The Last Thing Mary Saw is not a typical horror film; it strays away from traditional jump scares and ghastly imagery. Instead, it uses psychological terror, oppressive atmosphere, and layers of secrets to create an aura of unease and dread.

Adding depth to the storyline are the deeply engrained austerity and characteristics of the 19th-century rural setting. From the costumes to the set designs, and from the harsh winters to the low-lit interiors, every detail is meticulously presented to transport you to the chillingly austere world of Mary and Eleanor.

Besides, the rich and compelling narrative, the cinematography is one of the standout aspects of the film. The director's choice of maintaining a muted palette, accentuated with strategic moments of striking colors, adds a thick layer of depth to the visual storytelling. The raw and natural lighting combined with the restless movement of the camera successfully instills a sense of unease, perfectly accentuating the narrative's escalating tension.

The movie is a sharp commentary on blind faith, religious dogmatism, and its psychologically damaging impacts. Simultaneously, it subtly portrays a poignant love story that dares to bloom amidst despair and oppression.

To conclude, The Last Thing Mary Saw isn't for the faint-hearted; it takes you on an unnerving journey into a world of stern religiosity and forbidden love. Its robust characterization, coupled with excellent performances from the cast and the director's deft handling of the sensitive subject matter, makes it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and horror. Its unique amalgamation of drama, horror, homophobia, and religious fanaticism makes it a striking film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.