Detective Mystery Thriller On Netflix Sees Batman Actor Cross Paths With One Of History’s Greatest Writers

For those who haven’t had the chance to catch The Pale Blue Eye yet, the film centers on Bale’s retired detective Augustus Landor, who struggles with alcoholism and depression as he navigates a dreary existence in 1800’s America.

Despite his flaws, Landor is sought out by military officials to investigate the hanging of a cadet at a local Military Academy. Though certain higher-ups pressure the detective to quickly rule the death a suicide, Landor ultimately comes to the realization that the young man was likely murdered.

As the narrative of The Pale Blue Eye progresses, the story begins to intersect with real American figures of the time, including famed gothic author Edgar Allan Poe. With very few trustworthy soldiers around, Detective Landor eventually enlists Poe’s help on the case, which becomes more twisted, bizarre, and supernatural as the film builds to its thrilling climax. I won’t go so far as to spoil the thrilling conclusion of The Pale Blue Eye, though suffice it to say, there are plenty of shocking twists in the final act.

The film, which was written and directed by Black Mass filmmaker Scott Cooper, serves as an adaptation of Louis Bayard’s 2006 novel, which is also titled The Pale Blue Eye. The novel was itself named in reference to an 1843 short story by Edgar Allan Poe, titled “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Christian Bale is joined in the cast by The Queen’s Gambit‘s Harry Melling as Edgar Allan Poe, as well as Simon McBurney, Toby Jones, Robert Duvall, and Timothy Spall.

Before originally landing on the Netflix streaming library, The Pale Blue Eye held a limited theatrical run, grossing less than $1 million in total box office revenue. Once it eventually landed on streaming, the movie was hailed as something of a sleeper hit by many critics, who applauded Bale’s performance but criticized the convoluted ending.

Today, the film touts a middling 63 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite The Pale Blue Eye‘s inability to gain a foothold in the modern pop culture zeitgeist, the film is a much. watch for those who enjoy gothic horror, murder mysteries, or the written works of Edgar Allan Poe.

REVIEW SCORE

Personally, I found a lot to enjoy about The Pale Blue Eye, even though I agree with the critical consensus that the ending becomes kind of a mess. Still, it’s a great atmospheric movie to throw on in the midst of October, as the leaves begin to fall and trick-or-treaters line the streets with ghoulish attire. Those interested in catching The Pale Blue Eye can stream the film on Netflix today.