The Last Thing Mary Saw

Synopsis

The Last Thing Mary Saw is a 2021 psychological horror film that unfolds in 1843, centering on Mary, a young woman under the oppressive care of her strict and devout mother. After her sister’s mysterious disappearance, Mary becomes entangled in a web of secrets, fear, and societal judgment. As Mary grapples with her forbidden desires and the looming presence of a patriarchal society, the film explores themes of repression, identity, and the supernatural. The atmospheric cinematography and period setting deepen the sense of dread, drawing viewers into a haunting tale about what happens when love and survival clash in a world dictated by rigid norms.

Cast

• 

  Stefanie Scott

  Mary

• 

  Isabelle Fuhrman

  Eleanor

• 

  Rory Culkin

  Rupert

• 

  Judith Roberts

  Constance

• 

  Carolyn McCormick

  Agnes

• 

  Michael Laurence

  Randolph

Reviews

The Last Thing Mary Saw received a mixed but generally appreciative response from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 71% approval rating, indicating a majority of critics found merit in its atmospheric tension and period authenticity. Critics have highlighted Stefanie Scott's compelling performance, with some praising the film's slow-building suspense and psychological depth. For instance, RogerEbert.com noted that the film "crafts a chilling mood with its meticulous period details and strong performances," though they cited pacing issues that might not appeal to all viewers. However, the film’s reception on Metacritic is more tempered, with a score of 52 out of 100, reflecting a divide where some critics found the narrative occasionally muddled and the horror elements less effective than expected. IMDb users rated it a modest 5.1/10, pointing out that while the film’s themes and style intrigued some, others found the story slow and the scares minimal. Overall, The Last Thing Mary Saw is recognized for its ambitious blend of horror and period drama but is noted as a film that may resonate more with viewers appreciative of mood and character study than straightforward horror thrills.