Moody and atmospheric The Pale Blue Eye is a fairly satisfying murder mystery incorporating gruesomely fun elements of the occult with some clever twists and turns. Director Cooper leans into the genre aesthetics and melds the kinds of mystery and horror elements that subject of its story (a fictional version of Edgar Allen Poe) is known for. Shot in a combination of shadows and candle light, Cooper includes just enough of the grisly without crossing too many lines. The film always feels a bit safe but still delivers on its story.
One of the strengths of the film is the delightfully weird performance of Harry Melling as Poe. He plays him as a true character, the kind of person who behaves just outside of cultural norms and brings a joy to those he encounters. This story imagines Poe as a young man experiencing events that might inspire his later real world writings. He is wonderful to watch.
Cooper has made a visually lovely film with its snow covered daytime scenes and spooky gothic horror nights. Overall The Pale Blue Eye offers a satisfying mystery puzzle with some enjoyable performances. Perhaps the ending feels a bit pat and gets wrapped up with quite the perfectly tied bow, but at the heart of this mystery is a satisfying enough unveiling. And Cooper, leaning into the pathos, sells it well.
The Pale Blue Eye
Starring: Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Gillian Anderson, Lucy Boynton, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Toby Jones, Timothy Spall, Robert Duvall
Writer/Director: Scott Cooper
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