Mass

Fran Kranz's 'Mass' is a breathtaking debut feature about grieving parents that will linger long after the movie is over. The four-person ensemble group delivers fascinating performances while conveying a nail-biting story. Honest, optimistic, and brave, it is profoundly compelling in both the intimacy of its dramatic scope and the universality of the subjects it addresses.

7/10 - hard to watch and packed with the powerful performances (particularly Ann Dowd's), this debut film for writer/director Fran Kranz plays very much like something you would expect to see on the stage but I felt it was a little overlong at times.

An acting tour de force from an incredibly talented cast.

Ann Dowd is a powerhouse. Martha Plimpton a treasure.

Jason Isaacs and Reed Birney exhibit restraint and raw emotion at the same time.

But the script is ponderous. The pacing is deliberate and deadly.

The part of Judy (Breeda Wool) is obsequious and annoying.

And above all, at 1 hour and 52 minutes, this badly needs an editor.

Such fine actors shouldn't have to struggle to hold up such a ponderous script.

Mass tells a heart-breaking story in a way that feels unique in its own way with using interesting editing and dialogue choices that all in all makes it purposeful to see the experience writer/director Fran Kranz has crafted. Performance wise it is filled with considerate actors and actresses that need a lot of attention. And WTF the actresses from The Goonies and Parenthood is in this, and shes amazing. Like come on. If you get a chance to see it, don't waste it.

In my opinion, this is the best movie since JOKER (2019). I am 43 years old, i haven't cried watching a movie or generally, for a long time, however there are moments here that brought tears to my eyes. They don't make movies like this anymore. This is a hymn to humanity. Every actor is amazing. It's not a flawless movie, but you will not get distracted because of it. Watch it without knowing the plot. The ending of this movie is the definition of "catharsis".