Edoardo Vitaletti makes his feature-length writing and directing bow with a testing trip back to the winter of 1843.
Mary (Stefanie Scott) and Eleanor (Isabelle Fuhrman) try to hide their forbidden love from the former’s family - a task made even more difficult with the mysterious death of the elderly Matriarch (Judith Roberts).
Due to its setting and folk horror themes, The Last Thing Mary Saw is a very dark movie - both literally and figuratively.
Most of Vitaletti’s flick is lit by candlelight and aggressive religious beliefs abound, with guns at the ready if the Lord’s Prayer can’t be recited and cruel “corrections” dished out.
Mary and Eleanor’s desire to be together takes place among a really messed up environment as their every move comes under scrutiny.
Fuhrman takes a break from her murderous ways in the Orphan films to showcase her more quiet, loving expressions and movements, while Scott exemplifies inner turmoil and frustration as she battles with romance, family and more sinister elements at play.
A gaunt, dark-eyed Roberts is as creepy as can be and her unsettling presence is almost like something Scott could’ve faced off with when she starred in Insidious: Chapter 3.
Vitaletti doesn’t make things easy for his audience as much of the period-friendly dialogue will go over your head.
The late arrival of a stranger who plays a small-but-crucial role is shrouded in mystery and you’re not always fully aware of exactly what is going on - and why.
The highlight is when around 10 minutes of dialogue-free near-silence is interrupted by a cacophony of unsettling noise as an ominous plan comes to fruition.
Due to its enigmatic nature, The Last Thing Mary Saw didn’t grab me like it should have.
Its mood and atmosphere are A-one but I could have done with a greater understanding of developments and, as a result, more reason to care for our loving leads.
● Are you a fan of folk horrors or scary flicks set far into the past? If so, what are some of your favourites?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.
● The Last Thing Mary Saw is available to own on DVD now.
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