Yahya Abdul Mateen II

Writer: Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld

Director: Nia Dacosta

Cast: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Colman Domingo, and Carl Clemons Hopkins.

Struggling artist Anthony McCoy stumbles across an urban legend and decides to use it as inspiration for his next show. His research begins with the unfortunate story of Grad student Helen Lyle who tragically died in a bonfire decades ago. McCoy gains access to her research and unearths the legend of Daniel Robitaille also known as the Candyman. Unknowingly, McCoy invites others to “say his name” evoking an incantation that awakens the homicidal spirit to wreak havoc once again.

If you grew up in the 90’s you are probably familiar with the 1992 Clive Barker and Bernard Rose film which introduced audiences to a hooked hand killer whose presence could be invoked by the repetitious saying of his name. Nearly 3 decades later writer Jordan Peele and Director Nia Dacosta have joined forces for a direct sequel and origin story. Since the debut of the original film, there have been two other sequels. Both sequels found the hooked hand killer miles away from the Cabrini Green stomping grounds of the first film. Each sequel provided additional back story details. The First sequel was set in New Orleans where the spirit went in search of a descendant to sacrifice. After that unsuccessful attempt, the spirit moved on to Los Angeles, in the third film, to sacrifice his reincarnated daughter Isabel. In this new adaptation, the vengeful entity has returned to the hallowed grounds of the new Cabrini Greene in search of a familiar soul for some unfinished business. Artist Anthony McCoy is the unfortunate target and we witness his metamorphosis from fledgling artist to urban legend. McCoy’s interest in the legend goes from zero to 100 with lightning speed as he hopes to profit from tragedy using the legend to sell his work. Similarly, several other characters see the same dollar signs in exploiting the legend, a not-so-subtle nod to this era of black trauma for sale. In his haste for notoriety, McCoy ignores all warnings and moves full steam ahead neglecting loved ones, fueling his obsession. Though predictable, his descent into madness is enjoyable and ends in a weirdly satisfying twist.

In addition to the tongue-in-cheek nod to black trauma, there is also a blatant reference to the current climate of gentrification and police brutality. Though presented as just another slasher film, this Candyman has a social conscience, offering a relatable timely tale as well as the blood and gore we have come to expect. Though enjoyable the film is not without its flaws. Much of the violence is hinted at but not fully displayed, for instance just as the killer strikes we cut to another scene instead of witnessing the horrific details. Also, the backstory gets a bit convoluted as we discover additional confusing details about the origin of the murderous entity. Lastly, there is an all too brief appearance by Tony Todd, the OG. Please don’t blink you might miss it, literally.

Candyman hits theaters on Friday, August 27th, 2021.