"Mandy" Movie Review

It’s evident from the very first frame of “Mandy” that viewers are entering a wholly unique vision –– the likes of which they won’t encounter in any other film. Starring the perfectly cast Nicolas Cage, the film is a disturbing, blood-splattered and nightmarishly beautiful take on the revenge genre that ranks among 2018’s best.

The year is 1983. Red, played by Cage, and his wife Mandy, played by Andrea Riseborough, live a peaceful, tranquil existence in the Pacific Northwest, blanketed by the trees and star-speckled sky surrounding them. Unfortunately, the deplorable Jeremiah Sand, the leader of a sadistic cult played by Linus Roache, takes a liking to Mandy and wants her for himself. What follows is Red’s fantastical, hallucinatory revenge quest to vanquish his literal demons who wronged him and his dearly beloved.

As with “Sorry to Bother You,” “Mandy” is a difficult film to describe and do complete justice. While the central revenge plot isn’t necessarily novel, the overarching themes of toxic masculinity and the male ego, combined with director Panos Cosmatos’ relentless vision will forever be etched into my memory. There are numerous stylistic sequences throughout, such as one in which two characters’ faces seemingly blend into one another in a psychological battle, that are incredible.

Bold, menacing colors, with a definite emphasis on red, seep off the screen in nearly every scene. Through this, Cosmatos conveys emotions such as fear, rage, love and innocence without relying on dialogue. The propulsive, awe-inspiring soundtrack, composed by the late Jóhann Jóhannsson, perfectly compliments Cosmatos’ style. Indeed, “Mandy” is a prime example of visual storytelling and how cinema is, unquestionably, an art form of the highest regard.

The film’s structure is also wildly different from most modern films. Much like films from the 1970s, “Mandy” spends almost half its runtime developing the characters, primarily Red, Mandy and the disgusting villains.

There are several prolonged, deliberately paced scenes in the first half that help establish the passionate bond between Mandy and Red. Amplified by great chemistry between Cage and Riseborough, these scenes are necessary to justify the ridiculousness of the second half. However, they will also prove polarizing for certain impatient viewers who just want to see Cage killing psychos with huge weapons.

The sequence that ignites Red’s fiery spirit is uncomfortably long, proving hard to watch and swerving into unnerving horror territory that will leave faint-hearted viewers in complete shock.

Despite the film’s preference for character development and emotional storytelling, Cage’s performance still delivers the madcap gusto viewers expect.

“Mandy” features several hilarious Cage freakouts that will go down in history among his best. But, surprisingly, there’s scenes of intense sadness, grief and hopelessness that he fully commits to. Cage demonstrates passionate dramatic range that makes viewers empathize with Red’s grandiose plight and root for him as he embarks on his blood-soaked quest.

And mon dieu, is it brutal. “Mandy” will end up being one of the most violent films of the decade, no question. There are several creative kills that caused me to gasp, and that’s saying a lot. Some moments in the second half are so over-the-top I couldn’t take them seriously, and I absolutely loved that.

While the methodical pace, fleshed-out characters and in-your-face style might prove off-putting for viewers wanting a ridiculous action film, “Mandy” is an unforgettable cinematic experience that needs to be seen to be believed.

Rating: 5/5 Bees (Although your personal mileage might vary)

(Written for TMN Publication, The Index).