- Director: Edoardo Vitaletti
- Writer: Eduardo Vitaletti
- Stars: Isabella Furhmann, Stefanie Scott, Rory Culkin
Review
The 1800s seem like a fucked time to be alive and The Last Thing That Mary Saw really just backs that up. Playing at Fantasia International Film Festival, The Last Thing That Mary Saw tells the story of Mary, a girl growing up in an extremely strict religious area. Mary’s ‘crime’ is to love another woman, Eleanor. In their infinite wisdom the religious leaders decide that corrections are needed, thus begins1800s conversion therapy and like the modern day equivalent its just an excuse to torture people that are being true to themselves.
The film really infuriates with all the pious behaviour. The standards that are unattainable, the ridiculous rules that are laid out and the social graces only just reinforce these rules. Scott and Furhmann are excellent, selling their roles and their chemistry is undeniable. The rest of the cast is good, making you hate them all which is a sign of how well they play their parts. In particular Judith Roberts as The Matriarch, very imposing despite saying very little, her presence is enough to produce chills.
Vitaletti has an excellent eye and wastes no shots, every shot is detailed and lit perfectly to create the repressive atmosphere. David Kruta’s impressive cinematography has to be mentioned as well, framing gorgeous shots both inside and outside.
Love is a pure thing, regardless of your leanings and the fact that even today, for unfathomable, bullshit reasons people seem to take issue with same sex couples or anything else outside of what they deem ‘normal’ is a stain on humanity (sadly one of many). There is some tiny catharsis in The Last Thing Mary Saw but the message is clear. A film that is scary through the actions of humans as opposed to something other worldly.
Played as part of the Fantasia International Film Festival
Ryan Morrissey-Smith | Twitter: @TigersMS78
haddonfieldhorror.com 
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