Mass (2021)

Rooney praises the film as harrowing yet cathartic, valuing its psychological complexity and human connection over melodrama. He singles out Martha Plimpton’s emotionally raw performance and the ensemble’s finely calibrated work.

Gleiberman finds the film’s staged catharsis ultimately truthful and affecting, calling Kranz a bold new filmmaker. He singles out the committed performances, especially Ann Dowd’s sorrowful portrayal of a mother grappling with her son’s actions.

The critic finds the drama emotionally exhausting but deeply cathartic, and praises its sensitive handling of grief. They single out the four lead performances, especially Jason Isaacs’s portrayal of a grieving father.

Strong finds Mass a tender, thoughtfully judged portrait of grief that avoids becoming mawkish or politically heavy-handed. She especially praises the extraordinary performances, particularly those of Martha Plimpton, Ann Dowd and Jason Isaacs.

Ehrlich finds Mass a sobering, worthwhile drama whose intimate approach makes space for a difficult conversation. He praises the careful balance of the four lead performances, especially Reed Birney’s work, while faulting some abrupt cuts for weakening the atmosphere and catharsis.

The review finds Mass stagey and airless despite its strong performances. It especially praises Ann Dowd and the cast for carrying the film.

The critic finds the film bleak and often difficult to watch, but ultimately strikingly effective. They praise the four central performances, especially Ann Dowd’s final story about her son.

Chang finds the film emotionally stirring and morally serious, though one climactic sequence pushes too hard for catharsis. He particularly praises the anguished, finely calibrated performances of its four leads.

Halligan presents the film as an accomplished debut, suggesting a positive verdict. The available text does not reveal a specific element she praises or criticizes.

Macnab finds the film harrowing and provocative, though its storytelling can feel stagey and contrived. He praises the nuanced screenplay and the intense performances of the four leads.

The URL identifies this as a review of Mass (2021), but the page content is unavailable. Its critical verdict and any specific praise or complaint cannot be verified from the supplied page.

The review finds the film emotionally powerful overall, though it sometimes slips into unnecessary melodrama and sentimentality. It praises the four lead actors’ restrained performances for making the parents’ grief feel palpable.

The review finds the socially minded chamber drama sporadically emotional, with the performances lifting a somewhat stagey screenplay. It especially praises Reed Birney and Martha Plimpton’s range in rare lead roles.

Hammond calls the film exceptional, moving, and thrillingly cinematic. He especially praises the four actors’ performances and the film’s restrained, authentic dialogue.

The critic calls Mass a moving, thought-provoking must-see that lingers after viewing. They praise the four lead actors’ emotionally powerful performances and Kranz’s careful, non-sensationalising script.

The critic praises Mass as a gripping, refined drama that confronts the lasting effects of violence. Isaacs’s portrayal of a grieving father is singled out as especially heartbreaking and complex.

Mathews finds the film a highly rewarding, compassionate drama despite minor missteps. He especially praises the four lead performances and Kranz’s restrained, inventive visual approach to the chamber setting.

Anderton calls the film a masterful, devastating directorial debut, though it can feel repetitive at times. He especially praises the emotionally riveting performances and Kranz’s thoughtful handling of the parents’ grief.

The page is blocked by anti-crawler protection, so its verdict and any specific praise or complaint cannot be verified. The URL identifies the article as a Sundance review of Mass.

The critic finds the drama overly contrived despite its timely subject and strong performances. The ensemble’s nuanced acting and the carefully rendered room sound stand out for praise.