The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: Mandy (2018)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

Mandy (2018)

What are your thoughts on Nicolas Cage? There are certainly people who feel like he goes too far in his roles and takes them out of the film they are watching. Others acknowledge the genius behind his actor’s personality as well as his unique approach to making a character come to life. His career over the last ten years has been so intriguing as he has balanced straight to VOD shlock with some impressive auteur prestige films from creative filmmakers. There was even a moment there when people wanted him to be nominated again for an Oscar for Pig (he is already an Oscar winner). But one film has become a popular cult classic with its unique and visceral experience and an unhinged performance by Cage…Panos Cosmatos’ Mandy.

What makes Mandy such a memorable and unique cinematic experience? Just the visual stylings and overall atmosphere feel like nothing you have ever experienced. The film is filled with a pink smokey effect that gives it a unique tinge and haunting atmosphere. The visuals feel like they are ripped from the 1980s. That VHS tape style of gritty visuals delivers some compelling elements to the film. The camera work is specific and unique in the way it forces the audience into a wild and haunting experience. There are demonic entities ripped right out of Hell that are expertly crafted to the point where they will probably haunt your nightmares. The practical props are fantastic too with enormous chainsaws and the most abstract looking swords around. This is a bonkers and wild ride from start to finish.

But is Mandy just all vibes and horrors on screen? There are plenty of emotional and intellectual layers to Cosmatos’ film as well. The heart and soul of this film is the relationship between Mandy and her husband Red. The first act delivers a moving and engrossing snapshot of their relationship which makes it much easier to empathize with Red as he seeks vengeance for the horrible fate inflicted on his wife. But before her death, we witness our titular character spar with a cult leader in a compelling and layered verbal duel. The unnerving and haunting layers of the film expand as Red must walk deep into the horrifying world of this cult and the dark forces that they bring to Earth. This film is challenging in many ways and is still able to deliver a good old-fashioned revenge story.

But most importantly…does Cage deliver in this film? The first part of the film shows off his ability to craft chemistry with his co-star (Andrea Riseborough). They have such a natural feeling experience, but things soon spiral into a horrible situation that leaves Red a broken and angry man. His maniacal smiles soon take over after Cage has an undies-clad freakout in a bathroom. That is one of the most unhinged, Cage style performances you will ever see. Riseborough delivers a strong and layered performance that makes her standout in such an impressive way. The way she spars with Linus Roache’s cult leader is quite impressive. His unhinged and haunting performance meets its match with Riseborough’s assured and confident presence as Mandy. There are plenty of strong character actors that fill out this unexpected and strange ensemble including Bill Duke, Ned Dennehy, Olwen Fouere, and Richard Brake. You come for the Cage…you get plenty of great bonus performances as well.

Are you prepared for one of the most wild and unhinged cinematic experiences you might have ever had? Cosmatos is one of the most unique filmmakers out there and Mandy makes you want to see so much more from his wild mind. Cage delivers one of the most intense and unhinged performances he has given in a long time. If you are ready for a wild fever dream and cinematic nightmare that will crawl underneath your skin, get ready for Mandy!

Mandy is streaming on AMC+.