Looking for a good movie to watch this week? Check out The Pale Blue Eye, a thrilling period piece starring Timothy Spall and Toby Jones. This “engrossing” Netflix film is set in the 1830s and is perfect for a cozy night in.
Scott Cooper’s film The Pale Blue Eye, adapted from Louis Bayard’s 2006 novel, features Christian Bale as Augustus Landor, a detective who comes out of retirement to solve a series of killings with the help of a young Edgar Allan Poe (played by Harry Melling).
The movie, which came out in 2022, is about a former detective who enlists a clever student from West Point—none other than Edgar Allan Poe—to investigate a disturbing murder that takes place at the military academy.
Who’s in The Pale Blue Eye?
The film features Christian Bale as Augustus Landor, with Harry Melling playing Cadet Edgar Allan Poe. Gillian Anderson stars as Mrs. Julia Marquis, and Lucy Boynton as Lea Marquis. Charlotte Gainsbourg plays Patsy, Timothy Spall is Superintendent Thayer, and Toby Jones appears as Dr. Daniel Marquis.
What did the critics say about The Pale Blue Eye?
Critics and viewers generally liked The Pale Blue Eye. As of now, it has a 62% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 188 reviews.
The Associated Press described the movie as “engrossing,” praising its immersive atmosphere. They noted it beautifully captures the period, making you feel like you’re truly there in the 1830s – you can almost hear the sounds of the era, like creaking floors and owls, and sense the gritty details of the time, from the characters’ hair to their clothing.
What to Read Next
According to IndieWire, while The Pale Blue Eye doesn’t quite live up to the full promise of its intriguing story, this Netflix mystery is still enjoyable, especially because it cleverly adapts the source material – Louis Bayard’s novel.
According to The Australian, the film is well-made thanks to its skilled director and strong actors. It starts with a captivating story and an interesting connection to Edgar Allan Poe’s obsession with death, making it enjoyable despite becoming somewhat predictable and far-fetched towards the conclusion.
According to Vulture, the movie is a moody rather than cleverly plotted mystery. However, they note that its unsettling atmosphere actually adds to the suspense, as director Kyle Cooper understands how important atmosphere is for this genre.
Wow, I was really blown away by how Cooper brought the spooky, cold landscape of the Hudson Highlands to life! And Bloody Disgusting totally nailed it when they said the story itself felt like a classic gothic tale – it perfectly matched the vibe of the poet featured in the book. It just all fit together so well.
Where can I watch The Pale Blue Eye?
If you’d like to watch The Pale Blue Eye, it’s available exclusively on Netflix.
The movie first played in some theaters on December 23, 2022, and then became available to watch on Netflix worldwide starting January 6, 2023.
Other Timothy Spall and Toby Jones movies you can watch right now
If you enjoy Timothy Spall’s work, check out Goodbye June, Kate Winslet’s first movie as director, now streaming on Netflix. It’s a moving story about a family spending Christmas with their mother who is seriously ill – be prepared to cry!
If you’re looking for something different, I just saw that Neil Jones’ movie Marvellous is now on Prime Video! It’s a true story about this amazing guy, Neil Baldwin, from Newcastle-under-Lyme. He had learning difficulties, but he totally refused to let that hold him back, and Jones plays him in the movie. It’s really inspiring, honestly.
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The latest issue of Living Legends, a tribute to the worldwide success of BTS, has arrived! You can purchase this must-have fan guide at newsstands and online.
2026-07-21 17:50