The New Mutants
2020 Film Review
The last movie of Fox’s X-Men universe. After being delayed countless times, I finally managed to watch this suspenseful-horror film. The movie revolves around a medical facility which is designed to help mutants to understand and control their abilities. Supposedly. And in there, arrives the latest patient…
World-Building
Whilst this was based in Fox’s X-Men universe, I do not remember any specific reference to other X-Men films. They are mentioned, but there are no particular characters or events mentioned. The movie itself is largely realistic with the obvious blends of the mutant abilities being the only fantasy elements present. The atmosphere is dark and with an ever present suspenseful undertones. Pretty much the entirety of the movie takes place in this single facility and its surrounding area.
Characters
There are a couple of central characters. Other than those, there are no other actor/actresses visible, aside from flashbacks, dream sequences, illusions and entities. With the exception of the doctor from the facility, everybody else are the mutant patients. Each of them have their own interesting backstory:
- Rahne Sinclair (Maisie Williams) — A churchgoing woman who accidentally killed her pastor. Her powers involves turning into an savage animal, I think it was.
- Illyana Rasputin (Anya Taylor-Joy) — She killed 18 men. She is arguably the most powerful of the mutants with the ability to metalise her skin and summon a big blue sword with a blend of teleportation.
- Sam Guthrie (Charlie Heaton) — Accidentally killed his father and his crew. He can turn into a cannonball and knock down anyone in his path, although he has a little trouble on the landing.
- Roberto da Costa (Henry Zaga) — Accidentally melted his girlfriend. His superpower is going on fire.
- Dani Moonstar (Blu Hunt) — The newest addition to the facility. She has flashbacks of escaping with her father. Her ability is unknown at the beginning of the film.
- Dr. Reyes (Alice Braga) — The doctor of the facility, though I initially assumed she was a nurse. She has a certain ability, but I don’t remember whether or not this would be considered a spoiler…
Story
The story starts off with Moonstar arriving at the facility and having flashbacks of escaping something with her father. Supposedly, a tornado. The doctor introduces her to the rest of the crew and she ends up building up a strong bond with Sinclair. The other mutants also open to her, with Rasputin being the only exception.
As the story progresses, there appears to be increased incidences of nightmarish encounters. Specifically, all of the mutants are having strong dreams or visions which reflect the worst point of their life. And this is only strengthening in intensity.
The mutants also begin to suspect that this facility is not what it appears to be. There appears to be an underlying motivation for this area and their mutant abilities, but they just can’t figure it out. They do not see what the possible motivation could be for all of them to be here in the first place. Is it actually place for their own benefit? Or something else entirely?
Conspiracies unfold. People are suspected. Conflicts occur. A great story is told.
Critique
I did not have any major criticism from this 2020 movie. I don’t remember anything which I didn’t like from my watch. The storyline was great, the suspense was ever present with the dark atmospheric touch. All of the characters and their respective actors/actresses were complimentary and the performance was well done. Originally, there were rumours that this film would be R-rated, which the director later declined and insisted it was always going to be PG-13. This was more of a atmospheric horror as opposed to a bloody or gory horror, so it would not have made too much of a benefit. Aside from a more uncensored shower sequence/s. My only issue was the fact that this film was constantly delayed over and over again, which made it feel more stale overtime. The teaser trailer was released in 2017 and you can only release so many official images.
Summary
In brief:
- This is the last X-Men film by Fox.
- There wasn’t any direct reference to a specific X-Men event or character.
- It is an atmospheric horror full of suspense.
- The story revolves around a medical facility supposedly designed to help mutants.
- Cast members were great and the characters were rich.
- Apparently, this movie was always designed to be PG-13. It would not have really made too much sense for it to have a mature rating (even though it’s certified ‘15’ in the U.K).
Afterwords
Overall, I would highly recommend this film to all who are interested in atmospheric horror mixed with a blend of fantasy. This is the last of the X-Men Fox films and I believe that the movie ends with a high note. Not all reviews have been positive according to my knowledge, but I personally enjoyed the movie and I might watch it again further down the line at some point.
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