Netflix viewers will be pleased to learn that this “understated” gangster movie has landed on the streaming platform. Black Mass is a biographical crime drama film about Whitey Bulger, who was a notorious Boston mobster. Released in 2015, it is directed by Scott Cooper and written by Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth, and it is based on Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill’s book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, published in 2000.
Starring Johnny Depp as Bulger, the film’s ensemble cast includes: ” Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rory Cochrane, Jesse Plemons and Kevin Bacon.
Black Mass’ synopsis reads: “While his brother Bill (Cumberbatch) remains a powerful leader in the Massachusetts Senate, Irish hoodlum James “Whitey” Bulger (Depp) continues to pursue a life of crime in 1970s Boston. Approached by FBI agent John Connolly (Edgerton), the lawman convinces Whitey to help the agency fight the Italian mob. As their unholy alliance spirals out of control, Bulger increases his power and evades capture to become one of the most dangerous gangsters in U.S. history.”
Rotten Tomatoes critics rate the film at a solid 73%. Their consensus states: “Black Mass spins a gripping yarn out of its fact-based story – and leaves audiences with one of Johnny Depp’s most compelling performances in years.”
One critic said: “Compelling and powerfully acted, with just enough wrinkles to avoid the ghosts of gangster movies past.”
Another critic added: “Johnny Depp plays a monstrous Boston gangster in a disguise so unsettling you’ll struggle to recognise him.”
“Provides more than enough underworld intrigue to keep things interesting,” a third said.
One audience reviewer said described Black Mass as a “solid understated film,” with another adding: “This is the first time I honestly feel that this movie deserves more attention than it gets very very underrated. Superb performances all around If you have not seen this movie u are not a true crime movie fan.
“Cooper directs with a very spare, matter-of-fact style that allows the characters’ brutality to speak for themselves through their own nonchalance,” added another fan.
Black Mass is available to watch on Netflix.