The horror genre is unique in that it has many sub-genres to offer, providing a variety of ways in which to scare, frighten, or disturb an audience. While The Righteous may not be pure horror in the sense of gore or blood, it is a wonderful example of psychological horror, brought to life by solid acting, directing, and visuals that have some truly tense and overwhelming moments.
We meet defrocked priest Fredric Mason (the terrific Henry Czerny), choosing to raise a family with his wife Ethel Mason (Mimi Kuzyk). The death of their daughter has overwhelmed them, and they search for answers amid their pain. One day, a stranger named Aaron (Mark O’Brien) stumbles onto their property and soon, they are caught up in something neither can understand. As things unfold and facts come to light, Fredric struggles with a choice given to him that only deepens his sense of loss and confusion.
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Mark O’Brien, who is also the film’s writer and director, effectively breathes new life into a familiar story. The decision to shoot in black and white certainly adds to the tension, and the bleak, cold landscape that Newfoundland brings only makes things better. As the director, O’Brien has a keen eye for both long shots and intimate ones, both important to adding that uneasy feeling that is needed for the film.
The pivotal role of Fredric Mason is given to Czerny (Mission: Impossible franchise, Ready or Not) and he delivers a great performance, making you feel the struggles he is going through, both with his wife and privately. Most of his confrontations and conversations with O’Brien’s character, Aaron, are very well done. There is great chemistry there, even if in the beginning we are unsure of just who Aaron is and what he wants. He never feels truly innocent, which is a credit to O’Brien, and as the movie moves along it becomes clear there is a lot more going on here than we first realized.
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There are times when The Righteous struggles to escape the familiarity of the story we have heard before. Some character interactions also get weighed down with dialogue that while important, doesn’t quite sound or feel right. However, the actors do well at moving past that and not letting the tension drop.
The second half of the film is where things really pick up. The acting, writing, and directing are all perfectly in sync. The groundwork was laid in the first half, with the truths and revelations exposed in the final acts. The struggles Fredric faces are so real, you can’t help but feel for the spot he is in now. O’Brien is up to the task, too, going toe-to-toe with Czerny and holding his own.
It may be a familiar journey in some aspects, but The Righteous is one worth watching, as we are reminded yet again that all choices have consequences… sometimes good, sometimes not.
The Righteous recently has its premiere at Fantasia Film Fest 2021.
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