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Candyman
2021 91 min Canada, United States of America R 18+
★6.4
Horror, Thriller
Director: Nia DaCosta
📖 Based on the novel
«Books of Blood»
byClive Barker
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
A Chicago artist's sanity starts to unravel, unleashing a terrifying wave of violence when he begins to explore the macabre history of the Candyman.
Budget:
$25M
US Gross:
$61.19M
Worldwide:
$77.41M
Starring
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Actor
Teyonah Parris
Actor
Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
Actor
Awards
10 wins & 24 nominations total
Key opinion
Nia DaCosta’s Candyman is widely praised for its striking visual style and ambitious attempt to modernize a classic horror myth through a social justice lens. However, the film receives significant criticism for a fragmented narrative, uneven pacing, and a perceived struggle to balance overt political commentary with genuine horror scares.
| Cinematography | The film features masterful cinematography and high-quality production design that elevates its urban atmosphere. | |
| Screenplay | The writing and direction are seen as overly reliant on heavy-handed social messaging, which some viewers feel compromises the horror elements. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is inconsistent, often struggling with a slow, disjointed setup that leads into an abrupt or underdeveloped climax. | |
| Theme | Opinions are polarized regarding the integration of themes like racism and police brutality, with some praising the intellectual depth and others finding the implementation forced or distracting. | |
| Emotion | The horror experience is divided, as many find the film lacking in genuine dread and scares, favoring stylized visuals over visceral intensity. |