Every family has secrets.|Aug. 05, 2021|United States|89 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;Horror;Thriller
Description: The Last Thing Mary Saw is a 2021 film directed by Edoardo Vitaletti, marking his debut feature. Set in a New England Puritan community in 1843, the movie explores the forbidden love between two teenage girls. The story unfolds in a minimalist setting, with structures resembling the era and natural lighting enhancing the authenticity. David Kruta’s cinematography relies on candlelight and whispers, creating an immersive atmosphere rarely seen in low-budget period pieces.
The film, released on the horror-focused platform Shudder, features shocking depictions of violence within the oppressive Puritan community, which harshly punishes non-conformity. While it includes elements of body horror, such as graphic scenes of wounds and scars, it leans more toward a tragic lesbian love story than traditional horror. Critics have noted that its tone and themes might align more with dramas like “Silence” or “Midnight Express” rather than typical horror films.
The narrative follows the titular character, Mary, played by Stefanie Scott, as she is interrogated while blindfolded by a local constable, portrayed by Daniel Pearce. Through flashbacks, it’s revealed that Mary’s relationship with her family’s maid, Eleanor, played by Isabelle Fuhrman, began after the discovery of a book with Sapphic illustrations. The film critiques the community’s rigid, patriarchal mindset, where any deviation from societal norms is met with brutality.
The Last Thing Mary Saw combines historical drama, forbidden romance, and visceral imagery to deliver a poignant and unsettling exploration of love and oppression.
Cast director: Edoardo Vitaletti
Cast actor: Stefanie Scott, Isabelle Fuhrman, Rory Culkin, Judith Roberts, Carolyn McCormick, Michael Laurence, Shane Coffey, Dawn McGee, Philip Hoffman, Matthew Stannah
Original name: The Last Thing Mary Saw