The Pale Blue Eye
Netflix | Release Date: December 23, 2022
6.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 89 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
42
Mixed:
37
Negative:
10
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
Badgerryan27Jan 6, 2023
Decent film with an average story but the backdrop is more interesting. The cinematography is great and it makes it look like a type of historical background. Nicely acted but the film isn’t very thrilling or suspenseful as the movie wantsDecent film with an average story but the backdrop is more interesting. The cinematography is great and it makes it look like a type of historical background. Nicely acted but the film isn’t very thrilling or suspenseful as the movie wants you to think. It’s a worthwhile for a one watch.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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6
fabittarJan 7, 2023
No spoilers. This movie would’ve been great if they had cut the last 30 minutes. They should’ve stuck to the cookie-cutter plot. The “plot twist” at the very end wasn’t particularly clever, to say the least. 9/10 if you disregard the last 30No spoilers. This movie would’ve been great if they had cut the last 30 minutes. They should’ve stuck to the cookie-cutter plot. The “plot twist” at the very end wasn’t particularly clever, to say the least. 9/10 if you disregard the last 30 mins that almost sort of ruined it.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
JLuis_001Jan 6, 2023
A tribute to the squandering of a great actor as a leading man in something that fell rather short of being an excellent detective story.

Even with the forced inclusion of Edgar Allan Poe as a character in this story in something that couldA tribute to the squandering of a great actor as a leading man in something that fell rather short of being an excellent detective story.

Even with the forced inclusion of Edgar Allan Poe as a character in this story in something that could have very easily gone the same route as 2012's The Raven followed, and that I honestly had zero references regarding the book this film was based on, The Pale Blue Eye poses a mystery that could have been sublime and yet only uses it as an excuse for what ultimately becomes a story of revenge and atonement that never lives up to the premise it originally posed.

We're barely 6 days into the year and with this movie and the cancellation of 1899 Netflix has already gotten me pretty pissed off.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
UncleWillardJan 6, 2023
Strong performances, excellent production values, and even Poe himself can't save this thriller from the weight of its pretentions. Okay, even the performances were okay. Bale as always is exemplary, but he's the only standout. GillianStrong performances, excellent production values, and even Poe himself can't save this thriller from the weight of its pretentions. Okay, even the performances were okay. Bale as always is exemplary, but he's the only standout. Gillian Anderson was cartoonish and Melling, while somewhat charming, came off like Lt. Barkley foiling his antagonizers in a holodeck play. Lot of very talented, veteran actors sorely underutilized in a mediocre, and at parts goofy plot. I can't really recommend it outside of Bale and the production values.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
eded9999Feb 3, 2023
Not bad, but it gets boring.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
NeedFictionJan 7, 2023
Christian Bale and Harry Melling are good in their roles, and so are the character actors who support them. The cinematography in general is very good, and sometimes stunning, although a bit one note in its either snow or darkness for such aChristian Bale and Harry Melling are good in their roles, and so are the character actors who support them. The cinematography in general is very good, and sometimes stunning, although a bit one note in its either snow or darkness for such a long film. The main thing is this film can't decide if it wants to be a murder mystery or a tragic tear jerker period piece. The ratings, I think, would go up 20% overall if this didn't have the Lord of the Rings curse, where the director really, really, wants to put an extra ending. Literally the core mystery is supposedly solved, and then I realized there was 35 minutes left to go. Would have been better to either just let it end at the first "reveal," or move the other endings up and cut out 20 minutes of cultish ceremony and at times very wordy and silly dialogue that goes nowhere. (Two different characters at different times tell Poe that they just "knew he was the one" for their plot point). Then, some background motivation (without adding spoilers) turns into the main plot at the very end, and it just doesn't work. Overall, only because of the last 30 minutes, the whole film feels out of balance. Just stop the film with 35 minutes left and you'll come back here and give it a 10/10, plus, you will have really enjoyed it!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
bertobellamyJan 7, 2023
Loved the atmosphere and Christian Bale and Harry Melling's acting, but the execution is rather dull. The ending is good — I didn't see THAT twist coming — but the occult plot feels silly. What I would want to see next is a series about HarryLoved the atmosphere and Christian Bale and Harry Melling's acting, but the execution is rather dull. The ending is good — I didn't see THAT twist coming — but the occult plot feels silly. What I would want to see next is a series about Harry Melling's Poe solving macabre crimes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
ScienceAdvisorJan 9, 2023
The ending only works if you have no clue about distance and travel time. Not to mention the massive amount of contrivance that is required for the main story line to tie into it on it's own. Not as bad as Glass Onion, but still not great.The ending only works if you have no clue about distance and travel time. Not to mention the massive amount of contrivance that is required for the main story line to tie into it on it's own. Not as bad as Glass Onion, but still not great. The performances lift it up, but the story drags and should have been edited down at least 30 minutes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
Mauro_LanariJan 10, 2023
(Mauro Lanari)
I hoped it wouldn't be another mystery film after Branagh, Christie and Poirot, after the last Batman, after the new sagas of Enola Holmes and "Knives Out". I hoped that the length would be justified by a compelling story. I(Mauro Lanari)
I hoped it wouldn't be another mystery film after Branagh, Christie and Poirot, after the last Batman, after the new sagas of Enola Holmes and "Knives Out". I hoped that the length would be justified by a compelling story. I hoped the Italian title had nothing to do with "The General's Daughter" (Simon West, 1999). Maybe next time?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
royalguy07Jan 8, 2023
It has a good setup but is so serious and there is really nothing fun or interesting happening throughout.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
Ramenmaster7000Feb 10, 2023
It had a well thought out story. I, myself, couldn't relate to the characters very well. The ending was beautiful.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
MahaakshayJan 9, 2023
The Pale Blue Eye will surely captivate you for it's historic setting and grim visuals. The film has maintained the dark atmosphere which is required in a story like this. There is a sense of emptiness and isolation which the film keeps youThe Pale Blue Eye will surely captivate you for it's historic setting and grim visuals. The film has maintained the dark atmosphere which is required in a story like this. There is a sense of emptiness and isolation which the film keeps you in.

The film starts of with a very fast-paced and sophisticated story but I felt that somewhere in the 2nd half, the film does drop and it becomes more about character development and the main story (the murder mystery) takes a back seat.

But it is the end that truly is a shocker and the best part of the film. I love stories which make me think and second guess the characters but I myself was surprised with the twist in the end. It was truly very-well played out.

Performance wise of course it is Christian Bale who scores the most! His presence is captivating and he keeps you hooked in the film as the film rides on his shoulders. Please do notice his body language as there are scenes in which his silence and stares are doing most of the talking. He is truly one of the best of our generation.

Harry Melling who plays Edgar Allan Poe is also someone who should be brought into notice as he is remarkable in the film. His conviction to his character can be seen in every frame. Definitely an actor to watch out for.

The supporting cast are good in their respective roles and you can see that everyone has given their best in the scenes they appear.

The Pale Blue Eye is a murder mystery, no doubt about that but it is also a visual treat. So the crew should also be mentioned for their fine work to detail.

From the locations, to the Costumes and Art Design, everything feels authentic and all of these things add more feel to the story.

A special shout-out to the Cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi for creating a sense of darkness and grim in almost every frame. The blue tone which has been used creates the sense of dread which adds another layer to the story.

In conclusion, The Pale Blue Eye is a well-made film with great performances and visuals. If you are a fan of murder mysteries and thrillers then I would surely recommend you watching this film at least once. It's slow-paced but if you have the patience, the pay-off in the end is truly worth it's 130mins Run time.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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