The Last Thing Mary Saw

Inspired by 1800’s art history The Last Thing Mary Saw is set in New York, 1843. The film follows Mary (Stefanie Scott - Insidious: Chapter 3), a teen who is under investigation following the mysterious death of her family’s matriarch. Her recollection of the events sheds new light on the tragedy, and opens the eyes of the viewer on horrible prejudices.

After we're introduced to Mary & the interrogation begins in earnest the film jumps back in time to show us the events leading up to death of the family matriarch. It is here we truly come to understand Mary & the oppressive religious upbringing she has endured. It is the religious upbringing which acts as a pinch point for film with all of the tension in the house building up after it is revealed that Mary & the family's maid Eleanor (Isabelle Fuhrman - Orphan) are in a relationship. Given the devout religious nature of the family they believe the relationship to be an abomination & thus set about punishing the girls on God's behalf.

Despite the punishments, the couple’s love endures as they attempt to carry on the relationship in secret. However, the secret is out & now everybody is watching or listening so the girls can never get a moment of privacy & the punishments ultimately escalate to potential death as the only recourse. This means the girls only have one option, kill everyone & escape the shackles of the family.

The Last Thing Mary Saw is a very well crafted horror thriller which doesn't rely on jump scares to build tension. Instead it uses emotional moments to to build the tension & imbue the audience with empathy for Mary & Eleanor.

Much like another period horror film The Witch this one has a supernatural element but that is not the main focus. The Last Thing Mary Saw is a love story told in a terrifying, sad & tense manner. Unlike Mary I am glad I was able to witness this film & if it were to be the last thing I see I wouldn't be disappointed.

The Last Thing Mary Saw is streaming on Shudder from January 20, 2022.

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