Here IS the rare sequel/reboot that manages to augment, update and expand upon the source. A direct sequel to 1992s Candyman ignoring (with good reason) subsequent films, this film treats the original reverentially, with callbacks and allusions to the first film revisited and expounded upon in exceedingly creative ways. There is some exquisite direction and cinematography at play, maintaining visual themes, cues and metaphors from the original, directly mirroring scenes with a deft subtlety that is difficult to explain unless you’ve compared the two films up shot for shot. I honestly do not feel I can praise Nia DaCosta’s direction enough, it is gorgeous in many places and subtly clever in others. There is horror and gore but never as overt to become discomforting, and she makes clever use of mirrors and reflections whenever possible. Where she excels is in creating a creeping sense of disquiet and doing so in brightly lit scenes with direct sunlight that is very difficult to achieve. Scenes of exposition are told through use of shadow puppetry that are legitimately better than most films I’ve seen this year, and cleverly twist the original film’s narrative in the manner befitting an organic urban legend. There is a level of polish and update to the socio-political commentary and themes keenly reflecting current events, but simultaneously commenting on how little has actually changed. Honestly, it is frustrating how close this movie approaches exceptional were it not for an extremely rushed last act and the abandonment of all nuance, along with the gorgeous cinematography and daylight shots. Instead the movie reverts to horror movie mainstays of dark tunnels, strobe lighting and shadowed scenes. While the last act is arguably inline with the story being told, it comes so abruptly and feels rather jarringly unfair to what preceded it. I get the sense that there was conflict between creative forces behind the scenes that unfortunately short change is what could’ve been a stunning climax. To its credit, the last batch of shadow puppetry executes the finale’s coda in a far superior manner. As it is, the film ends feeling unresolved but leaving the door open for future installments that will hopefully continue to expand the mythos in fascinating ways.
Candyman (2021)