Do we really need a new version of The Color Purple? That was the inevitable question when word broke that Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, and Oprah Winfrey were teaming up on an adaptation of Alice Walker’s beloved, award-winning novel. The 1985 movie is an unquestioned classic with multiple Oscars and holds up incredibly well today. But one look at the trailer for director Blitz Bazawule’s stylish, musical vision and it’s clear that yes, we do need another one that promises to tell this harrowing story for a new generation of fans.
American Idol winner Fantasia takes the lead role as Celie, an African-American woman in the early 1900s as she struggles to find her independence in the face of unimaginable hardship and cruelty.
Joining Fantasia in the cast are Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
As seen in the trailer, it draws inspiration from the hit Broadway musical, with all of the snazzy production and performances. The Color Purple arrives this Christmas when it is expected to be a huge family hit over the holidays.
Joe wakes up in a complete daze, completely disoriented. He’s wearing a suit, dressed for success. Looking around, Joe quickly realizes things have gone off the rails. He’s in a prison cell with a grist mill in the center. Things go from bad to worse as he hears screaming off in the distance at midnight. Joe is able to talk to his neighboring prisoner through a vent in the wall – the lone voice of reason trying to calm him down. Joe then realizes that he is in this predicament because of Mallard and that he is taking part in ‘Advanced Career Training.’ His task – to push the grist mill a certain amount a day. He either meets his quota, or he’s terminated.
Sean King O’Grady directed the film while Jeffrey David Thomas wrote the script. O’Grady has had some feature length films before, but The Mill is only his second feature length that was not a documentary. On the other hand, The Mill is the debut for Thomas. Even without an extensive catalogue, O’Grady and Thomas create a tense and enjoyable thriller. They establish an unnerving atmosphere that remains consistent throughout the runtime. O’Grady and Thomas take a solid concept and craft an impressive psychology thriller. They don’t need to rely on blood and gore for thrills. The use of smart dialogue and bleak visuals is all they need to build suspense and keep the audience guessing.
Howery has the entire film centered around him. It is an opportunity for him to showcase his acting and carry a film. The Mill practically takes place in one room with no one on screen but Howery. He interacts with a few voices here and there, but that’s about it. Howery doesn’t shy away from the challenge and delivers a commendable performance. Thomas’s script allows him moments for his signature comedic style to show, mixed with a healthy dose of dread. Just as Mallard messes with Joe’s mind, the film does the same with the audience. O’Grady manages to weave Mallard into the presentation of the film in a unique and memorable way. It’s simple, but clever and highly effective. The film is perfect for spooky season and the lack of gore makes it suitable for a wider audience. The Mill is a unique thriller and certainly worth a watch.
