The New Mutants

Five young mutants who are trapped in an enigmatic hospital facility learn about their developing abilities while confronting their terrible pasts through nightmarish hallucinations. The New Mutants, which was marketed as a superhero movie with a horror theme and was postponed for years due to studio reorganizations and reshoot disputes, eventually debuted as a stand-alone Fox X-Men franchise entry that was unrelated to both its original continuity and the Marvel Cinematic Universe that would eventually acquire the property.

The movie skillfully creates a claustrophobic atmosphere in its hospital setting by fusing unsettling aspects of a jail, a haunted house, and a medical facility. Characters are trapped in a strange area by cinematographer Peter Deming's use of strong lighting and shadow. The ensemble cast, especially Maisie Williams (Rahne) and Blu Hunt (Dani), forges a real romantic bond in spite of the narrative flaws. Illyana, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, develops from a conventional enemy to a more complex character, giving the group dynamic characterized by shifting alliances greater dimension. Although the denouement seems hurried, the film's final act, which transitions from psychological horror to supernatural action, has some thrilling moments. Despite its problematic production, the movie shows promise for a franchise.

The movie makes an effort to give five protagonists and an antagonist backstories, which leads to a lackluster character development. Only the arcs of Dani and Illyana get substance; the others are only undeveloped flashbacks. Aiming for a balance of romantic bonding and eerie elements, the movie tries to achieve a consistent tone while fusing horror with YA themes. The effectiveness of horror scenes varies, especially when they are character-driven. Psychological depth is undermined when trauma takes the form of powers but is handled through external conflict. Even though the topics are enticing, the execution frequently falls short, making the story feel repetitious and out of balance, especially in the pacing and terror scenes.

The final Fox X-Men movie, the pandemic-era theatrical release that didn't happen, and the series starter that came orphaned, The New Mutants, is a fascinating artifact. Its qualities (chemistry, atmosphere, and the occasional thrill) point to a movie that may have been the result of a well-coordinated production; its many facets show developmental pain that no one director could heal. The movie has curiosity value for audiences interested in the untapped potential of superhero movies, the attempt to include horror into franchise development, or young actors battling against unachievable situations. As stand-alone entertainment, it promises novelty but delivers compromised familiarities, frustrating rather than satisfying.

Staff:

Directed by: Josh Boone

Written by: Josh Boone and Knate Lee

Based on: New Mutants by Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod

Produced by: Simon Kinberg, Lauren Shuler Donner, and Karen Rosenfelt

Starring: Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt, Henry Zaga, and Adam Beach.

Cinematography: Peter Deming

Edited by: Robb Sullivan, Matthew Rundell, and Andrew Buckland

Music by: Mark Snow

Production companies: 20th Century Studios, Marvel Entertainment, Kinberg Genre, and Sunswept Entertainment

Distributed by: 20th Century Studios

Release date: August 28, 2020

Running time: 94 minutes