‘Beautiful’ period drama perfect for fans of Great Expectations on Netflix now
A big-time Hollywood star took on the lead role in the novel’s adaptation to screen, and fans are calling it a ‘solid movie’ that stands out on its own as a ‘piece of art’
Those who love to see a timeless story adapted to screen will be captivated by this 2022 film taking a much-loved mystery novel to even greater heights.
With any adaptation comes high expectations, and as far as the online reviews go, they were met with this mystery thriller, thanks to its A-list cast and unbeatable storyline.
The Pale Blue Eye is a 2006 novel by Louis Bayard which features a murder mystery in the 1930s, at West Point, where a young Edgar Allan Poe was a cadet. Poe was an American writer and poet known for his tales of mystery and the macabre but is fictionalised in this story.
That very story is brought to life in the 2022 film, of the same name streaming on Netflix, starring none other than Christian Bale as the leading character, a veteran detective, known as Augustus Landor.
Bale is known and adored for his versatility across his cinematic roles and his physical transformations, having starred as Batman and been in American Psycho and The Machinist.
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Christian Bale plays the leading role (Image: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
The Welsh star is one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors and yet the movie only had a limited run in cinemas before making it onto the streaming platform.
In the film, the detective investigates the gruesome murder of a West Point cadet after his heart has been gruesomely cut out. Alongside him is an eccentric young cadet, Edgar Allan Poe, and together they uncover a dark web of rituals and the terrifying personal vendetta that led to this murder in the first place.
Playing Poe is Harry Melling, alongside other famous faces such as Gillian Anderson, Lucy Boynton, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Toby Jones and Timothy Spall. It also features the late Robert Duvall in his last-ever movie role before his death in 2026.
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The film is set in the 1930s (Image: Brentwood Gazette)
Fans have plenty to say about the film online, with one Rotten Tomatoes review talking about the cast, stating: “Strong cast which results in great acting performances. But the compelling and beautiful cinematography is the main reason why this movie is worth watching. Absolutely a piece of art and also creates an eerie atmosphere.”
Another review reads: “Whoa! I thought this movie was going to be somewhat boring based on the reviews, but I loved this movie! Acting was great, and I am rather savvy on figuring out Who-Done-It, but I was totally taken by surprise with A Pale Blue Eye. A must watch for anyone looking for a good mystery. Two thumbs way up!”
A number of reviews claim that the film is worthy of a rewatch, despite its eerie atmosphere. One person claimed: “The twist was good and twisty, the mood was good and creepy and the portrayal of Poe was unexpectedly interesting! Have rewatched a few times!”
If you’re looking for the perfect creepy and ‘moody’ movie to watch at home, The Pale Blue Eye is available to stream now, exclusively on Netflix.
SOURCE: WALESONLINE