The movie has an ‘eerie atmosphere’ (Image: SCOTT GARFIELD/NETFLIX © 2022)
This 2022 film brings a beloved mystery novel to even greater heights, with an impressive cast, and a ‘cinematic’ setting that adds to its ‘eeriness’.
Whether you read the book, or are just a huge fan of thrillers, there’s no denying that this adaptation is a ‘must-watch’.
Written in 2006, The Pale Blue Eye is a novel by Louis Bayard, centring on a murder mystery that was well received by readers and critics alike. The New York Times for example dubbed it to be “shockingly clever”, as a mystery that reads like a classic and reinvented the wheel for historical fiction.
With that in mind the beloved story was brought to the screen, all these years later, in a film of the same name. Set in the 1930s, the film is based in West Point, the site famous for housing the United States Military Academy, and follows the murder of a cadet, who’s heart was ripped out.
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Also a cadent at the base is a young Edgar Allan Poe, an American writer and poet renowned for his tales of mystery and the macabre. While he did in fact spend time as a cadet, his part to paly in the story is fictionalised, and he works alongside the detective to help solve the crime.
Christian Bale plays the leading role (Image: SCOTT GARFIELD/NETFLIX © 2022)
The Welsh actor, turned Hollywwod icon, Christian Bale plays the leading role as veteran detective, Augustus Landor. Together, the pair gradually unravel a sinister web of rituals and the chilling personal vendetta that ultimately drove someone to commit this brutal killing.
Bale is celebrated for his extraordinary versatility and remarkable physical transformations across his illustrious career, having portrayed Batman and appeared in American Psycho and The Machinist. And yet, viewers aren’t just praising him, but the help of his co-stars for bringing this vision to life.
Harry Melling takes on the role of Poe, joined by a host of well-known names including Gillian Anderson, Lucy Boynton, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Toby Jones and Timothy Spall. The film also marks the final ever screen appearance of the late Robert Duvall before his passing in 2026.
The film is set in the 1930s (Image: SCOTT GARFIELD/NETFLIX © 2022)
Audiences have had plenty to say about the film online, with one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer commenting on the cast: “Great ensemble, acting, directing, ending was ok, but overall watchable and entertaining intriguing.”
A further review reads: “The pale blue eye is a slow burn murder mystery with a top notch cast and world building. The performances are just amazing and definitely Oscar-worthy, especially from Harry Melling who portrays the role of Edgar Allan Poe. The story is well written with a lot of depth to the characters and creating a creepy and dark setting set in the 1830’s.”
One review even suggested that adding to the creepiness of the film, watching it at midnight is a must. Their review reads: “This is one of the best ever mystery thriller movies I’ve ever seen.
“Christian Bale’s acting was so intrinsic like he literally immersed into his character as always and the movie was so atmospheric and creepy and melancholic one which is so great to watch at midnight.”
If you’re on the hunt for the ideal spine-tingling, atmospheric film to enjoy from the comfort of your sofa, The Pale Blue Eye is available to stream right now, exclusively on Netflix.
