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The legendary Candyman returns to our screens with a new cast and crew in tow. This film brings back the thrills, suspense, and horror in this new sequel/reboot for a new generation of fans.
Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen), Teyonah Parris (WandaVision), Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Misfits), Colman Domingo (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), and franchise alums Tony Todd (Final Destination), Vanessa Williams (American Horror Stories), and Virginia Madsen (Sideways) in a voice role.
CANDYMAN
Candyman is the fourth film in the franchise of the same name and presumably the first in a new series. Based upon Clive Barker’s short story, “The Forbidden,” Candyman tells the tale of the vengeful spirit of Daniel Robitaille (Todd), who in life was murdered for his love affair with a white woman. In death, however, he became known as the Candyman, a spirit who will kill anyone who summons him. And how do you summon him? Simple: Say his name five times in front of a mirror.
(don’t) Say His Name
As a child, my mum explicitly told me not to say his name (or Bloody Mary’s) in front of the mirror. Any demon summoning or Ouija board playing would be met with a telling off from Mum, followed by her prayers to God before she doused me with some protective spells from her home country of Trinidad and Tobago.
This impression meant that despite knowing Candyman was a fictional character and played by Tony Todd — the same man I knew from Final Destination — there was still that lingering fear at the back of my head whenever I saw the VHS tapes of Candyman in my local Blockbuster.
It wasn’t until early this year that I would finally watch the first two movies in the franchise, Candyman (1992) and Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995). All that hype and horror built up for me was ultimately met with disappointment. I’m sure if I had watched it when I was younger, it would have had a greater effect on me, one to match the stories I had been told. However, to me, the first movie was a decent yet mediocre horror led by fantastic lead performances from Tony Todd and Virginia Madsen. The second film was straight-up garbage.
But what of this new version of Candyman? Well, if you’re a fan of the original trilogy, then I’m sure you’ll love this new version. If not, I don’t know what to tell you other than that I bloody loved it!
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The new version follows Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), an artist trying to start his next big project. After his brother-in-law tells the story of the Cabrini-Green murderer, Helen Lyle (see the first film), Anthony becomes intrigued by the story and goes to Cabrini-Green for some creative spark. While there, he meets a man who tells him about the Candyman legend.
From there, Anthony gains an unhealthy obsession with the mythical spirit. It’s one with which he may have a bigger connection than he originally thought.
Candyman starts slow, and even once the plot properly starts, it remains at this steady pace. Although, director Nia DaCosta uses this to her advantage. She does so by creating an atmospheric and suspenseful thriller that eerily grows into a slasher horror.
Unlike the first two movies, the 2021 version is more than supernatural horror. DaCosta and co-writers Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld use today’s social and racial issues to help craft an intriguing new story to contrast the controversies of the original film. These issues aren’t simply touched upon. They help drive the film forward, right towards its climax.
The racial injustice and pain suffered by many Black people is a central theme from beginning to end. With the writers’ help, a huge addition to the legend of the Candyman is crafted. It’s one that not only adds to it but makes it all the more frightening.
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Nia DaCosta is not only the first woman to direct an entry into the franchise but also the first Black person. No disrespect to any of the previous directors. DaCosta has done a far better job creating possibly one of the best horror films in decades.
A team of incredible performers helps her bring the chaos to life in a way that no other Candyman feature has been able to do. When I say that there is not one bad performance in this movie, I really mean it. Everyone — everyone — gives it their all, even if some characters are irritating. Still, we mustn’t confuse our dislike for purposefully irritating characters with the performance of their real-life counterparts. If anything, that shows they did their job properly.
After winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Watchmen, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II shows that he isn’t tired of showing off his acting range. His character Anthony really goes through it! He transforms from a hopelessly romantic artist to a disturbed shadow of himself in just 91 minutes.
Teyonah Parris plays Anthony’s girlfriend, Brianna. She’s kept out of the loop on Anthony’s troubles until it begins to affect their home life, career, and relationship. Once Brianna is brought into the fold, we slowly see Parris turn from a supporting performer to leading. Much like how the film goes from suspense-thriller to slasher horror.
There are so many other supporting characters that it’s hard to comment on every performance. Although, I will say that Michael Hargrove, who plays an older gentleman in the 1970s set flashbacks, is a huge standout. Hargrove, a theatre actor with only five on-screen credits to his name, gives a silent yet impressive performance that will stick with you.
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The only thing I disliked about the movie is how fast the kills happen. It’s ironic because I complained about its slow pace at the beginning of this review.
I hoped instead that the kills were less immediate this time around. I was hoping for at least some suspense in that regard. Although, they are still a sight to watch, especially when it comes to the imagery DaCosta has chosen to use. By blending classic horror tropes and the recognisable Candyman iconography of mirrors and bees, the kills become some of the most visually interesting scenes in any horror film. The cinematography is used to such a great effect that it helps engrain even some of the less gory kills into your brain.
CANDYMAN… TELL EVERYONE
This film is filled with stellar performances, outstanding cinematography, and script. You should enter this film blind to see what kind of role Hargrove’s character plays in this film. However, if this film gets a sequel, then you bet I want to see him return in some capacity.
Nia DaCosta’s Candyman is a treat for all horror fans, and it has made me more than excited to see what she does with her next venture — The Marvels! It’s honestly one of my favourite horrors in recent years. In fact, I’ve currently ranked it number 10 on my Letterboxd list of 2021 releases.
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