Sadly over the past decade or so we have heard countless amounts of senseless tragedies and mass shootings and the obvious effects that they have on society at large. This is the basis of Mass, the directorial debut from actor Fran Kranz, who takes an intimate look at how deeply such a tragedy can affect the families of all of the parties involved in such an unthinkable tragic moment.
When we meet church member Judy (Breeda Wool), she is stressed out setting up a room so it’s approved by the no-nonsense attorney, Kendra (Michelle N. Carter). We aren’t sure just why until we see that it’s the meeting place for an awkward exchange between two couples, Jay & Gail (Jason Isaacs & Martha Plimpton) and Richard & Linda (Reed Birney & Ann Dowd).
At first we aren’t sure what the meeting is for or what it is about, but you could certainly cut the tension in the air with a knife. They exchange niceties for nearly 30-minutes before it gets down to brass tax and we find out just what brought them to this moment. Richard & Linda’s son was a mass shooter who killed a handful of his classmates – as well as himself – including Jay & Gail’s son.
The purpose of the meeting is for them to has it out in person, opening the wound on both sides in order to try and finally heal and move on. They dance around the subject for a while but once the band-aid comes off there isn’t much held back.
Krantz, who also penned the screenplay, frames it all in an almost too intimate manner that gives it all a theater-like quality that makes the single location of the room feel claustrophobic and stuffy as all hell. As tense as the writing is, the film is built upon the incredible performances from all four of the parents, who each get their moment to shine in ways both intimate and grand. Dowd, Plmpton & Isaacs in particular have a few moments that are just begging to get submitted for awards consideration.
It’s a strong and deliberate debut from Krantz, best known for his role as the stoner Marty in 2011’s The Cabin in the Woods. This wasn’t the movie many would have expected him to make but that’s what is so impressive. He takes a look at the way such a moment doesn’t just impact the victims of the incident, but the parents who have to endure the pain of both sides. And that this moment of taking the pain head-on and looking at the other side of the coin that you feared seeing is a necessary step in healing.
Although the movie features some heartbreaking moments and some incredible acting, it at times feels a bit too heavy at nearly two hours it pushes the limits of how much depressing material and grief one can stomach. There is nearly no levity to be found and although there are some undoubtedly moving moments, the film just seems to be piling on the grief and although the blocking and cinematography make the most of what they’re given, you do wonder if this would have worked better on stage. It ends up being an experience that you are moved deeply by and admire the craft on all sides, but it was a joyless and tough experience to sit through (as is so clearly intended).
No matter how effective you find Mass, it will be hard to deny the raw power that is under the surface and the amazing performances that you get to witness. Actors like Dowd have been overdue for such recognition and there is a real chance that they finally get their due here.
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