By Keeva Stratton
In chronicling the unhealthy relationship between the FBI and a Boston ganglord, Black Mass offers a chilling depiction of a true story of greed, power and corruption in South Boston.
The mafia are rising to power in South Boston in the late 1970s. FBI agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) calls on James ‘Whitey’ Bulger (Johnny Depp), an old school friend who so happens to be a local criminal on the rise, to provide intel on their moves.
Connolly hopes that Bulger can lead him to the mafia bosses by connecting him to the word on the street. However this unholy alliance, which sees the FBI turn a blind eye to the growing pile of crimes linked to Bulger, leads to terrible consequences.
By privileging old neighbourhood loyalties and underestimating Bulger’s own criminal activities, Connolly finds himself in a dangerous position. His informant is not giving him worthy leads, and Connolly himself could feel Bulger’s wrath should the comfort he’s offered be suddenly removed.
Bulger uses the benefits of his position as an FBI informant to grow his criminal presence, increasing his drug distribution and street violence at a frightening rate. Connolly is now in too deep to turn back, and the subsequent control Bulger has is deadly.
Black Mass sees Johnny Depp make a well overdue and successful return to a character-driven film, where he brings nuanced intensity and severity to the nefarious figure of ‘Whitey’ Bulger. Equally good is Joel Edgerton’s agent, who feigns resistance to the realisation that his actions are crossing a significant moral line.
If you enjoy delving into the disturbing minds of underworld figures, Black Mass will appease your macabre interest. It’s superbly plotted and well performed, bringing the darker elements to light in compelling fashion.
Directed by: Scott Cooper
Starring: Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch
Rating: R
Runtime: 122mins
Release Date: 8 October
Reviewer rating: 4/5
Feature Image via Zimbio
