Mass | Film Review

When I first heard about this film, I was really intrigued by the premise. Not only did it seem interesting, but it's the side of a story that we don't often see or hear about, in films or in real life.

Years after a school shooting, the parents of a victim and the parents of the shooter meet to have an intense conversation about their sons.

I liked this film a lot.

As I said, I loved the premise of the film. Even before seeing it, I could tell how powerful it was going to be. 

The first thing that struck me about the film was that it felt like it could be a play. In some ways, once the conversation gets going, it feels more like a play than a film, and at times, I felt like it was better suited for a live theatre format. I'd love to see it on stage.

Because the film is based on this one conversation, the most important thing about the film is the dialogue. I thought the dialogue was great. You really believe in everything that all four of these people are saying. It is real and authentic.

Another great thing about the dialogue is that it does a great job of painting a picture. Not only are we able to put ourselves in the characters' shoes in the current moment, but we are also able to picture the situation at the school, or the life of these characters before the incident altogether. We are given all the backstory we need through the memories of these characters, and that is such an interesting way of being told this story.

The film almost forces you to examine and sympathise with both points of view. You can't help but think about what you would do in either of their situations. It is easy to see that this is an impossible situation for both sets of parents.

The acting in the film is amazing. The main characters are played by Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton, Ann Dowd and Reed Birney, and all of the actors were amazing in their respective roles. There was never a moment where you didn't believe them, or thought they were acting. And for roles that are so dialogue-heavy, where the actors have nothing to hide behind, it is so important that the audience really believes them.

The film is as powerful as you expect it to be. 

Overall, I really liked this film. However, as it is only one single conversation for over an hour and a half, it might not appeal to everyone. But if you feel like it will appeal to you, definitely check it out!

7/10