Prime Picks: Blackout (2023)

Larry Fessenden’s “Blackout” presents a simple and intimate portrait of grief, reminding us how those we lose can haunt us in violent ways. 

Oh, Nadine Whitney, I couldn’t agree more with this quote from your take on Larry Fessenden’s latest, Blackout, which I amplify here in solidarity. 

Before we begin, I must offer a confession. This is where my imposter syndrome takes over, my full moon equivalent, and I admit I have not seen another Fessenden film. Sifting through his writing and directorial credits, I fully appreciate there are some titles on my long-standing to-watch list. I debated popping our editor a note and recusing myself for this one. I decided not to, however, because I really enjoyed it. And sometimes, it’s nice to get a perspective from someone coming to a piece without the familiarity of an artist.

So here’s me, taking my first tumble with Fessenden and sharing my reflections with you. 

Charley (Alex Hurt) is our main character. He is a broody artist, full of self-loathing and navigating grief after recently losing his father, with whom he had a complicated relationship. He is just the kind of messy, emotional individual that makes a good werewolf protagonist.

Charley splits his non-lycanthrope hours between trying to take down Jack Hammond (Marshall Bell) — Talbot Falls’ development-hungry baddie who threatens the integrity and future of the town and its residents — and protecting those he loves and respects. This includes Sharon (Addison Timlin), his ex-fiance and Hammond’s daughter; Earl, his sassy, guitar-playing best friend willing to cast Charley a paw full of silver bullets; and Miguel (Rigo Garay), a local Latino leader being unfairly accused of Charley’s crimes.

These noble efforts counterbalance the absolutely heartless and bloody rampages he embarks on for three days per month during the full moon cycle.    

As I have mentioned in other reviews, I adore (ADORE) mythology and folklore. Stories that are centered around familiar characters and creatures are my jam. Wolves are particularly alluring to me as harbingers and/or agents of calculated and powerful violence.

Werewolves are particularly intriguing monsters in this category, as they are human with a shape-shifting ability.

Depending on who is telling the story, some individuals remember their actions while in creature form… some do not. Charley cannot recall his actions. However, the context clues (e.g., ripped and blood-spattered clothes, wounds that heal quickly) cause enough concern to prompt the actions described above.    

What I enjoyed most about Blackout was the nature of the violence. While yes, there is plenty of claw- and canine-caused carnage to appease those seeking the splatter, the most damaging moments were the ones that slashed at my emotional underbelly.

You can feel Charley wrestling with the grief of his lost father and having to leave his fiance unexpectedly when they were actually deep in a cycle of closeness and connection.  

“I felt I had to deal with it alone. I know I should have asked for help. I should have trusted what we had. But, I was never wired that way.” 

While Blackout might not satisfy those hoping it would tread new ground and expand our view of a beloved Universal Monster, it effectively presents the humanity of one werewolf’s journey.

My attention was held easily by the likable nature of the leading and most periphery characters (even the fringe folks like Pastor Francis and Bob Kraus), moving visual elements (like the inclusion of the family photos and animated artwork), gentle nods to its source material (Talbot Falls, an overt Lon Chaney Jr. call-out), and the simple-yet-effective choices around make-up and effects (stand-outs were the flashbacks to the kill Miguel witnessed of the couple in the field and Charley’s hands and claws post-transformation). 

If you are craving a monster flick, specifically a new Wolf Man entry, Blackout offers plenty to sink your teeth into. 

Rest assured, my first foray into Fessenden’s work won’t be my last.

Blackout is now available to rent on Amazon Prime.