On January 14th, 1978, a serial killer was on the loose. The male killer stalks and pickpockets the locals of a town in Tallahassee, successfully stealing cash and IDs, and even blending in with anyone suspicious or uncomfortable with his presence. The killer is also a lady’s man, and many struggle not to give in to his looks or charm. Now, the killer’s newest target are the female students currently attending Florida University.
It’s not long until viewers discover that the serial killer is none other than Ted Bundy. Over the next eighty minutes, viewers will follow Ted through various points of view and over-the-shoulder shots with a slightly shaky cam effect. We see Ted stalking his newfound targets and gaining further intel on them, which he may or may not use later, along with his interactions first-hand with the prime suspects, such as flirting and attempting to engage in an open discussion. One thing is sure: Ted is becoming increasingly tempted to do something terrible and sickening as the night goes on. Will there be any survivors, and will Ted get caught before it’s too late?
Following Ted around is an uncomfortable and sickening experience, and the film did an excellent job of conveying this, given how real everything feels from his viewpoint. You can hear Ted breathing heavily and his heart racing at various times when there are more remarkable moments of temptation or risks of getting caught in the act. Ted’s vision and thought life are also hard to watch, such as when you see him imagining skin and flesh being ripped off. Once again, the film goes for it, showing viewers a dark insight into his mind and the gross thoughts behind his actions on the outside. Andrew Sykes’s portrayal of the killer is awe-inspiring, particularly in his handling of emotions and dialogue. His performance convincingly depicts the killer as charming one moment before quickly becoming aggressive and rude when things don’t go as planned.
The Black Mass is a slow-burning film that aims to give viewers a thoughtful and informative experience. The information presented is informative, sad, and alarming, and I appreciated the filmmakers for bringing these issues to the big screen. However, the outcomes of the plot and story are predictable, and there were no surprising plot developments. Due to the film’s heavy nature, many would not likely want to watch it more than once.
Overall, The Black Mass is a brutal and intense film. It’s not your typical slasher or mystery killer movie and is pretty different from other horror and crime films. Director Devanny Pinn’s first feature offers a disturbing look into the mind and actions of Ted Bundy. The concept is clever, with many impactful and unsettling moments, and Andrew Sykes delivers an excellent performance as the killer, displaying a wide range of emotions and dialogue. The plot has no real surprises, and viewers will likely figure out how it will all unfold early on. Due to its heavy nature and predictable outcomes, it’s not the kind of film you’d want to watch multiple times. It may not be for everyone, but I appreciated the craftsmanship, concept, and underlying message. The message is essential and moving, especially for those victims of terrible crimes, making it a significant viewing experience.
The Black Mass (2023) is Available on DVD & Digital from October 2nd!
5.7/10
30th September 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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