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Let's get this out of the way first: Black Death is not an enjoyable movie due to its bleak and unflinching depiction of the 14th Century. Be that as it may, it is a riveting, dramatic horror picture that's as brilliant as it is challenging. A medieval horror show from director Christopher Smith (Severance, Triangle) and screenwriter Dario Poloni (2006's Wilderness), Black Death represents many cinematic styles. The director himself describes the movie as a "men on a mission" yarn, and it is, but it is also far more than that - it is a melancholy character study and a religious thriller with profound, thought-provoking themes. Horrifying and haunting, Black Death uncompromisingly dissects fundamentalism while depicting the ghastly madness that occurred during one of humanity's darkest periods.
The story takes place in 1348. The bubonic plague is sweeping across Europe, ravaging villages and killing millions. Amid this, conflicted monk Osmund (Eddie Redmayne) secretly maintains a forbidden relationship with young villager Averill (Kimberly Nixon), weakening his allegiance to the church and disillusioning him. Word soon reaches Osmund's village about a remote community in the marsh that is unaffected by the plague, meaning that they found a cure or a necromancer using the occult has found a way to starve off the infection. A bishop envoy named Ulric (Sean Bean) and his team of medieval mercenaries plan to find this rumoured sanctuary, and they seek a guide through the plague-ravaged lands. Sensing a sign from God, Osmund volunteers his services as Ulric's guide.
Black Death is not a preposterous fantasy adventure like Season of the Witch or any similar CG-heavy production - it's a story about men brutally slaughtering other men. The violence is not exploitative, though, as it is required to portray this dark era accurately. Additionally, on top of being an unforgiving portrayal of gruesome violence, Black Death contains themes that Smith explores with noticeable density and maturity, posing thought-provoking questions regarding religion and faith. More pertinently, the film provocatively examines the insanity of the 14th Century, when the bubonic plague led to the killing of innocent people and accused witches without a fair trial. Furthermore, the movie shows how a civilised, fundamentally good person can become barbaric, unthinkingly hurting others after being permanently changed by a traumatic ordeal. Now, that is the stuff of horror.
Black Death is a slow-burner of a horror movie; it's in no rush to get anywhere as it provides a methodical journey through this harsh world. Nevertheless, it is gripping. Laden with detail, the 14th Century truly comes alive here, with era-specific costumes, detailed production design, and authentic-feeling locations thick in fog and mood. Filmed in Germany, the sprawling vistas and eerie forests lend an epic quality to Black Death, allowing the picture to feel like far more than the low-budget, almost straight-to-video flick that it is. Credit is also due to Sebastian Edschmid, whose cinematography is drenched in grittiness and looks washed-out to borderline monochromic proportions. At times, the hand-held photography is a bit too shaky, but otherwise, the movie features marvellous photography and editing. Christopher Smith is a competent helmer, too, orchestrating the brutality with a sure hand, and there is a constant, suffocating sense of dread throughout the picture that suits the material. To Smith's credit, he also leaves certain things to the imagination, allowing the gory sound effects to speak for themselves. After all, images that the human mind can conjure up are far more horrifying than anything that can be committed to celluloid.
Unfortunately, though, the characters are mostly only distinguishable due to their physical appearances rather than personality traits or actual names. Considering how richly drawn some of the central characters are, it's a shame that the supporting characters remain one-dimensional plot pawns. On a more positive note, however, the actors are all spot-on. Smith does not assemble an A-list cast, as this is a case of choosing the right actors regardless of bankability. Leading the ensemble is Sean Bean, who's brilliantly intimidating as Ulric, and who competently carries the weight of the film on his shoulders. Bean's intensity is particularly riveting. (As a side note, due to his imposing look and how he wields a sword, one can't help but evoke memories of Bean as Boromir in The Lord of the Rings.) Alongside Bean, as Osmund, Eddie Redmayne is ideal; he nails the various emotions and nuances the role requires. Elsewhere in the cast, recognisable actors like David Warner (Titanic) and Carice van Houten (2006's Black Book) make a great impression, and former Blackadder cast member Tim McInnerny effectively plays a village leader. Meanwhile, a sublime bunch of tough guys play Ulric's band of dangerous men, including John Lynch (In the Name of the Father), Andy Nyman (Severance), and Johnny Harris (RocknRolla), among others. They all fulfil their duties to a high standard.
Enthralling, well-made, and with impressive production values, Black Death is a haunting horror film that conveys a dark tale and provides a provocative look at the 14th Century. While it is more of a movie you admire than conventionally enjoy, it is hard to deny that this is an incredibly scary and intelligent flick. If you have the stomach for disturbing motion pictures and can appreciate meditative material, this visionary masterpiece is definitely worth watching.
8.5/10
