Review: The Last Thing Mary Saw

Director: Edoardo Vitaletti

Screenplay: Edoardo Vitaletti

Year: 2022

In the winter of 1843, Mary is being investigated after the family matriarch's death. The young woman tells the story that led to this death, revealing the ancient force behind the events.

“The Last Thing Mary Saw” takes inspiration from the recent interest in period horror or folk horror movies, taking us back to the 19th century. With a palette of pastel colors and warm lights, a reference to the light source of the time, the rookie director and screenwriter Edoardo Vitaletti shows us the story of Mary and her family. However, behind the beautiful shots, there is an obvious lack of horror, the genre in which it is described.

During the first act of the film, I had my doubts as to whether this film had any elements that could be even remotely attributed to the horror genre. This first act deals with introducing the main characters and the conflict in which the plot will revolve around. Mary is part of a wealthy family, which has a homosexual relationship with one of the mansion's servants, considered an aberration in her family.

Anyone who has studied a little history will know that in those times, homosexuality was not well seen and was harshly punished. However, in "The Last Thing Mary Saw" we see that the family is at odds with the relationship, but the cruel punishments do not have the threat expected of those times. This is not the only thing that gives the script a bad image, but the relationship between the two young women does not seem as affectionate as it should and never conveys that intense love willing to fight against everything it tries to show.

After the first act is over, the first event that reminds us that this is still a horror movie takes place, even if it seems like a drama. This first event sets the tone for the rest of the movie: a scene that looks great on screen but has no threat and doesn't make much plot sense. Unfortunately, this tendency continues until the end of the film.

“The Last Thing Mary Saw” emphasizes its aesthetics and artistic value more than offering a captivating, meaningful plot with horror elements. As a result, the film has impressive visuals and strong acting, but a slow story, a lack of horror, and characters that don't necessarily fit with what the plot wants to represent.