The Last Thing Mary Saw (2022) review

Directed by: Edoardo Vitaletti

Starring: Stefanie Scott, Isabelle Furhman

Synopsis: Winter, 1843. A young woman is under investigation following the mysterious death of her family’s matriarch. Her recollection of the events sheds new light on the ageless forces behind the tragedy.

Blind beginnings

This film begins with Mary blindfolded and bleeding from her eyes while being interrogated after the death of her grandmother. Moreover, Mary is in a relationship with Eleanor (Isabelle Fuhrman, Esther from Orphan), the family maid.

The Last Thing Mary Saw is a rather impressive and enjoyable movie that has a lot to recommend it. Among the strongest elements of this film is its highly impressive setup that manages to blend old-school puritanism on the one hand with fantastic supernatural genre sensibilities on the other.

A striking contrast to the religious paranoia experienced by the rest of the villagers is the way of life shown here, based on a strict religious upbringing and a complete disgust for lesbianism or other signs of affection taking place for fear of reprisals from the elders. Their mindset to live in the village is one of oppression and religious persecution that stands in direct contrast to their freedom living in sin against their will and being brutally tortured for not doing so.

Stellar performances

Both Isabelle Furhman and Stefanie Scott are renowned in the genre, and Furhman is hot right now after her superb success in the Orphan: First Kill sequel. You’ll be captivated from beginning to end by this slow-burn horror movie. The lead actresses deliver outstanding performances that will have audiences captivated.

First times a charm

As a first-time feature writer/director, Edoardo Vitaletti takes viewers to a time and place they may be familiar with, but that doesn’t mean this dark tale of religion taken too far is any less oppressive, where the Lord’s Prayer can get you killed if you can’t say it.

At least, this is a strong vision from a first-time filmmaker who will definitely win over some fans for The Last Thing Mary Saw, a dark film that values look and feel over a story that actually comes together. It signals the beginning of a strong career which, one hopes, will lead to greatness.

Go in blind with this one and you will have a great time (no pun intended)!