Mandy is the latest movie directed by the novice Panos Cosmatos. This action horror movie was presented at the Sundance Festival where it earned a lot of success, also thanks to Nicholas Cage’s performance, the protagonist. But let’s talk a little bit about the director. I imagine lots of people don’t know him, especially because Mandy is his second movie, he can, therefore, be defined as a rising star. But in spite of his little experience, the Canadian director has already established his style: a unique mixture of strong colors, psychedelic aesthetics, astonishing creepy plots and perfect soundtracks. All these elements drag the audience through a beautifully contrasting voyage.

The first film written by Cosmatos is Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010), a Canadian production, narrating the life of Elena, a young girl, who is held in captivity in a new age commune where deviant doctors are busy finding a balance between science and spirituality.

With his second movie, the director decided to slightly change his path. In fact, Mandy can still be defined as horror, though not being a splatter action horror movie anymore. The leading character, Nichols Cage, is determined to avenge his wife imprisoned by a sect of faithful to Satan creepy individuals. So, in name of love and armed of a shining blade and other weird weapons, the rough and tough protagonist will slaughter many villains on the background soundtrack of death metal songs. The cast is formed by a group of familiar stars such as Andrea Riseborough (Birdman, Oblivion), Linus Roache (Batman Begins, Riddick), Bill Duke (Predator, Red Dragon, Lost), Richard Brake (Hannibal, Game of Thrones and others). Another important team member is musician Jóhann Jóhannsson (Sicario, Arrival and other great soundtracks) who has sadly recently passed away.

The movie will be released on the 14th of September in American Cinemas even if I’m afraid we shall have to sit tight a bit more for the Italian debut. Meanwhile, we have the trailer: have a nice nightmare.