Period pieces are becoming much more popular in the horror nowadays with films like The Witch and Apostle, but it's not an easy sub-genre to tackle. For the most part, The Last Thing Mary Saw succeeds in its period piece approach, serving audiences an eerie atmosphere and memorable characters. The Shudder original film explores the horrors of religion, and it usually works, even if the film's spiritual nature can be hard to follow.
Written and directed by Edoardo Vitaletti, The Last Thing Mary Saw opens in 1843 with Mary (Insidious Chapter 3's Stefanie Scott) investigated by several elders from her village. A series of disturbing and unexplainable events just occurred offscreen, and a blindfolded Mary has blood dripping down her face. She tells the elders of the last events she physically saw, which involves her forbidden relationship with a housemaid (Isabelle Fuhrman) and a book that may be opening the doors to supernatural occurrences.
At the heart of The Last Thing Mary Saw is a gut-wrenching queer horror story about forbidden love. The film could have still worked without its horror elements, which are vague and enigmatic. The horror of this film is slow and brooding, waiting to erupt, similar to The Witch. However, like that 2015 film, horror moviegoers may be put off by the period piece language and unconventionally dramatic approach. When the horror elements unfold, they hit hard; however, some viewers might not have the attention span for its slow-burn pacing.
The Last Thing Mary Saw is grim and intriguing throughout its runtime. The performances from Scott and Fuhrman, especially Fuhrman, are compelling and hold the movie together. The film's crisp cinematography also keeps suspense flowing. By the end of the film, the hilly scenery of upstate New York becomes its own character. While the film is suspenseful, not everyone will get it. This film follows the trends of movies like Hereditary and The Witch, showing that filmmakers don't have to explain everything to their audience. The Last Thing Mary Saw expects the viewer to figure things out for themselves, which prove to be frustrating but ultimately rewarding.
The Last Thing Mary Saw is director Edoardo Vitaletti's first feature, and it's certainly an impressive one. Vitaletti masterfully builds an immersive world in 90 minutes that is hard to shake. However, it also feels like a first film. The film's slow pace can drag, and narrative flaws occasionally pop up. However, the ending packs a wallop, rewarding those willing to sit through it. While it's not perfect, The Last Thing Mary Saw proves Vitaletti is a talent to look out for, especially in the horror genre.
Overall, if slow period horror that doesn't offer a lot of explanation isn't your cup of tea, The Last Thing Mary Saw might be one to avoid. However, if you see The Witch as a modern horror masterpiece and appreciate horror with solid queer themes and representation, then give this creepy film a watch.