The Pale Blue Eye

Name: The Pale Blue Eye
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Crime
Released: December 23, 2022
Duration: 128 min
Rating: 56
Cast: Charlie Tahan, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Christian Bale, Fred Hechinger, Gillian Anderson

2022

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Mixed or average reviews based on 40 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 80 Ratings

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6.5

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6.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 80 Ratings

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The Pale Blue Eye

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Movie Details & Credits

Netflix | Release Date: December 23, 2022 | R

Starring: Charlie Tahan, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Christian Bale, Fred Hechinger, Gillian Anderson, Harry Melling, Lucy Boynton, Robert Duvall, Simon McBurney, Timothy Spall, Toby Jones

Movie Facts:

Streams on Netflix beginning January 6, 2023.

Summary: West Point, 1830. A world-weary detective (Christian Bale) is hired to discreetly investigate the gruesome murder of a cadet. Stymied by the cadets’ code of silence, he enlists one of their own to help unravel the case — a young man the world would come to know as Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling).

Director: Scott Cooper

Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 128 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Collider Maggie Lovitt

Dec 22, 2022

It may be Cooper’s best historical film, and perhaps that’s because there’s a distinct melancholy to it that is etched into the bones of Virginia’s finest—just like Poe. Read full review

The Playlist Marshall Shaffer

Dec 22, 2022

The Pale Blue Eye works best when Cooper lets it be a two-hander between Landor and Poe. Iron sharpens iron as the two men push themselves down fruitful paths of deductive reasoning. The game of twisted allegiances, false partnerships, and premature resolutions makes for a wicked mystery that continues unfolding in riveting ways. Read full review

Karen Gordon

Jan 4, 2023

Christian Bale leads a fantastic cast in The Pale Blue Eye, a twisty atmospheric detective yarn with supernatural overtones and, for those who enjoy such things, an actual historical touchstone. Read full review

The Guardian Peter Bradshaw

Dec 22, 2022

As things turn out, this case turns on a rather ridiculous coincidence: but never mind, it’s an entertaining piece of counter-factual noir. Read full review

K. Austin Collins

Jan 6, 2023

The Pale Blue Eye is heavy, and not always to its advantage. Its glumness, meant to come off as a good-looking take on American gothic, gets in the way of its juicier, freakier bits. The offense is that it does so in service of a mystery that barely matters. Read full review

Jeannette Catsoulis

Dec 22, 2022

Continuing his fascination with tormented manhood, Cooper, in this third collaboration with Bale after “Out of the Furnace” (2013) and “Hostiles” (2017), works with a solemnity that stifles the fun. Read full review

Derek Smith

Dec 22, 2022

The film often feels like one of the corpses in its story: cold, lifeless, and without a heart. Read full review

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User Reviews

barillas

Jan 7, 2023

Good mystery movie, very good acting. Chris Bale is always fantastic. Must see

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

TomHug

Jan 10, 2023

Brilliant script, impeccably acted, directed in a manner that brings early 1800's to life. Thoroughly engrossing and entertaining.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

globalnomad

Jan 7, 2023

Once upon a midnight dreary / As I pondered, weak and weary / Over many a quaint and curious Netflix file of forgotten lore / I happened upon a strange, new cryptic picture show / Containing plot of Edgar Poe, causing heart to soar / 'Tis atmospheric set and dialogue deep / Gothic, great andOnce upon a midnight dreary / As I pondered, weak and weary / Over many a quaint and curious Netflix file of forgotten lore / I happened upon a strange, new cryptic picture show / Containing plot of Edgar Poe, causing heart to soar / 'Tis atmospheric set and dialogue deep / Gothic, great and nothing more / Can one resist Lenore and Poe? / Quoth the raven, nevermore… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Mahaakshay

Jan 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 you in.

The film starts of with a very fast-paced andThe 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

fabittar

Jan 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 30 mins that almost sort of ruined it.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Mauro_Lanari

Jan 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 hoped the Italian title had nothing to do with "The(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

Gumdrop

Jan 6, 2023

What a let down. Mostly slow, moving and dull. Lacking the suspense I found myself looking for. The casting and writing of the Poe character was completely wrong. And both the ending and the twist were really anti-climactic.

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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