A very engrossing film, Mass opens today in select theaters and the content touches both heart and mind. Set in Anytown, USA, the movie inspires dialogue on the most heinous crime that has hit in many of our 50 states. The movie’s not so much about the crime that makes it gripping, but the attempt to show resolve and compassion. Whether it accomplishes its goal will be a matter for the audience to decide.
After six years of hurt and anger, two couples meet in a secluded room of an Episcopalian Church. Linda (Ann Dowd) and her husband Richard (Reed Birney), who have been grieving for their loss, will be sitting face to face with Gail Perry (Martha Plimpton) and her husband Jay (Jason Isaacs) who have also lost a loved one. Both couples would like to move on from this awful incident that has set them on a downward spiral.
As the meeting progresses we find out about each of their personal problems connected with the tragedy that won’t go away. Director and writer Fran Kranz brings his story to the big screen showing each of the couple’s reasons for their need to be in the same room. He shows the challenges that each person faced that changed their lives and the need for wanting to move on. Very convincing, Kranz provides some very cringing mental images in dialogue form that creates a somber mood spiked with tension, especially during the finale.
The subject matter, while it doesn’t affect most people directly, surly sets off dialogue on “how would you react if you were caught up in the situation” that the two couples have faced over six years. The acting is surly awardable, the storyline compelling and the very good direction makes the film worth watching.
Mass has been rated PG-13 for thematic content and brief strong language.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Martha Plimpton, Jason Isaacs, Ann Dowd, Reed Birney, Michelle Carter, Breeda Wool)
Directed and written by: Fran Kranz
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic content and brief strong language
Running Time: 1 hr. 51 min.
Opening Date: January 11, 2022
Distributed by: Bleecker Street
Released in: Blu-ray, DVD
