98 min
5.3
2022
USA
At an elite New England university built on the site of a Salem-era gallows hill, two black women strive to find their place. Navigating politics and privilege, they encounter increasingly terrifying manifestations of the school's haunted past… and present.
Overview
Reviews
Manuel São Bento wrote:FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/other-films-watched-spoiler-free-review-sundance/#master
"Master holds one of the most purposeful, insightful, thought-provoking Black stories of the festival. Mariama Diallo's directorial debut boasts an intriguing narrative filled with impactful social commentary on racism and white supremacy, "disguising" them with a terrifying, supernatural evil force surrounded by a powerful score and creepy cinematography.
Regina Hall delivers an impressive performance, as does Zoe Renee, but the former truly shines in the lead role. Amber Gray's character could have been better explored, as well as some secondary themes, which result in a loss of focus around the mid-section.
Nevertheless, the well-written script offers an informative point-of-view, allowing the viewers to feel the discrimination that the main characters suffer without ever making it a forced plot point.
The final scene with the end credits already rolling is a perfect conclusion to demonstrate the cultural and behavioral differences towards and between each race."
Rating: B+
Robert Grawey wrote:Some of its horror elements feel half-baked but I loved everything else here! Some great performances and atmosphere. Manages to touch on pretty wide range of racial issues in America and its institutions with a lot of tact. Good stuff!
