Netflix period drama has viewers 'mesmerised' with 'great twist'

Daily Record

21 hours ago

The Pale Blue Eye, a 2022 mystery film, stars Christian Bale as detective Augustus Landor who partners with a young Edgar Allan Poe, played by Harry Melling, to solve a murder
A 2022 mystery film currently streaming on Netflix has viewers enthralled with its blend of historical fiction, thanks in large part to a gripping performance by Christian Bale. The movie has left audiences "utterly mesmerised" with its intricate storyline.
Helmed by Scott Cooper and based on Louis Bayard's novel, the film sees Christian Bale star as Augustus Landor, an expert detective called to West Point in 1830 to probe a gruesome murder of a cadet. He is paired with a quirky young cadet - none other than the legendary Edgar Allan Poe, brought to life by Harry Melling.
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As the lifeless body is discovered, the investigation becomes an entangled web of secrets before arriving at a stunning climax that flips the entire narrative on its head. The unpredictable twists and turns have led viewers to call the film captivating.
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On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer praised the film saying: "I have to start by saying this movie exceeded my expectations. The suspense was maintained throughout the two-hour journey, with plenty of "whodunit" moments to keep me intrigued and invested.
"The film struck the perfect balance of twists and turns, making it an exciting and worthwhile watch without ever feeling predictable. The main cast delivered strong performances, with nothing to disrupt my immersion or distract me from feeling as if I were right alongside Augustus Landor and Edgar Allan Poe, eager to solve the mystery at hand.", reports Surrey Live.
Another fan echoed the sentiments adding: "Good mystery Christian Bale has a Great performance And The twist is great I didn't see it coming it's also good to see you harry potters cousin in something not Harry Potter Just a little toooooo long 7/10."
One person said: "Definitely a Must See movie! The best portrayal of Edgar Allan Poe I have EVER seen! ! ! I have no idea how he didn't get Best Supporting Actor for this role."
Another added: "The Pale Blue eye is a decent murder mystery film with a few twists and turns in the plot to keep it interesting. It starts off a bit slow, but the good acting and great setting kept me in it until I was invested in the story. Worth a watch if you like the 19th century setting with dark undertones."
Not only does Christian Bale lead the cast, but 'The Pale Blue Eye' also features an impressive ensemble including Gillian Anderson, Lucy Boynton, Robert Duvall, and Toby Jones. The film has garnered acclaim for its atmospheric visuals by Masanobu Takayanagi and the spine-chilling score composed by Howard Shore, both contributing to the film's ominous feel.
Upon its debut, 'The Pale Blue Eye' received a mixed reception from critics. While the performances, especially Harry Melling's rendition of Poe, were praised, some critics felt the plot resolution was somewhat lacking.
'The Pale Blue Eye' is available on Netflix, presenting a smartly woven historical drama that marries real-life characters with a gripping murder mystery. It holds a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.6/10 on IMDb.