It’s time now for a rather surreal action-horror starring Nicolas Cage. I’m of course referring to Mandy (2018) from director Panos Cosmatos. What’s it all about you ask? Well I’ll do my best to explain without any spoliers, so without further ado here’s my Mandy blu-ray review.
- Mandy (2018) – (HMV Blu-ray Exclusive)
- Genre: Action-Horror
- Directed by Panos Cosmatos
- UK Rating 18
- Discs: 1
- Released By Universal
- Blu-ray Released: 29 October 2019
Plot
Red Miller and his girlfriend Mandy Bloom live in a remote cabin near the lake. Red is a logger whilst Mandy works in the local shop/gas station. One day Mandy is seen by Jeremiah Sand, the leader of a religious cult called Children of the New Dawn. He identifies her as a person of importance and decides he must have her join his cult at all costs!
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Panos Cosmatos whilst Benjamin Loeb is responsible for the cinematography. The first thing you will notice is the use of the colour red. This really does give the film a unique look and actually works well in the action-horror setting. The overall look is sublime with the aesthetic giving off a surreal vibe. It really is quite an impressive looking and feeling movie. I always appreciate it when directors try to produce something a little different and Mandy is exactly that.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is provided by Jóhann Jóhannsson.
Acting / Characters
Andrea Riseborough plays Mandy an artist that works at the local gas station. She lives with Red (Nicolas Cage) and is a strange character. In fact everybody in this film I would consider to be rather weird. She does however play the part exceptionally well.
Nicolas Cage takes a backseat for the first half of the movie but really does steal the show by the end. He is basically a regular guy pushed too far and forced into a seeking retribution. This is where the film becomes fun and action packed.
Lastly there’s Linus Roache as Jeremiah Sand the cult leader. He plays a rather pathetic character that’s also a rather worrying one. His performance though is simply sublime.
Cast
- Nicolas Cage as Red Miller
- Andrea Riseborough as Mandy Bloom
- Linus Roache as Jeremiah Sand
- Bill Duke as Caruthers
- Richard Brake as The Chemist
- Ned Dennehy as Brother Swan[
- Olwen Fouéré as Mother Marlene
Conclusion: Mandy (2018) Film Review
I not entirely sure the film completely works but then I have the feeling I may need to watch this one again to fully appreciate it. As piece of filmmaking there are many impressive aspects. The way in which it’s shot and the use of the colour red really does give it a strangely haunting and surreal feel.
In the end I’d have to say I think you should really give Mandy (2018) a look just for the unique style that is presented. Nicolas Cage impresses as a man on mission in incredibly weird world where the police are nowhere to found. It has a kind of Mad Max vibe to it. Go on give it a look!
If you enjoyed my Mandy blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Mandy Blu-ray Review
Mandy is only available on UK blu-ray via HMV so you may well have missed it if you only look on the likes of Amazon. As you might expect the picture quality is fantastic being from 2018.
On the extras side there a 22 minute behind the scenes feature which has interviews with the director, producers and actors. Elijah Wood was one of the producers on Mandy and he reveals that Nicolas Cage was actually offered the Jeremiah Sand’s role of leader of the Children of the New Dawn but turned it down favouring the role of Red Miller. It’s well worth a watch.
Extras
- Behind the Scenes (22 mins)
- Deleted Scenes
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Mandy (2018)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH A LOOK
BLU-RAY RATING: PERFECT
EXTRAS: GOOD
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Purchase Mandy (2018) On Blu-ray
Mandy (2018) blu-ray is available now from HMV.
Mandy (2018) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my Mandy blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more Nicolas Cage movies soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Mandy (2018) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Mandy (2018)
Duration: 121 mins
Director(s): Panos Cosmatos
Actor(s): Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache
Genre: Action, Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A bizarre yet stunning surreal action horror!
Pros
- Stylish
- Nicolas Cage
- Andrea Riseborough
- Linus Roache
- Available on Blu-ray
Cons
- HMV Blu-ray Exclusive
- Storyline may not entirely work
