The movie Candyman (2021) is a horror film with great aspects of social revindication that manages to deepen and take advantage of what we saw in the 1992 project. The characters are varied and defined, the film has a successful rhythm, the author stands out for its total knowledge about gender and, of course, emphasis on the social and racial part of the whole. In the end, the film makes it clear that, beyond the myth, the real monsters do not have to be these “urban legends”.
And despite the fact that the script for the movie Candyman focused a lot of attention on that aspect, we also have quality horror with the typical Candyman murders and the development of Anthony's character. Through his journey into madness, we see his relationships crumble, victims pile up, and he suffers from what appears to be an inevitable and cruel destiny.
As the main protagonist we find Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen), an artist in full creative crisis, decides to go deep into the Cabrini Green neighborhood in search of inspiration for his paintings. There he will discover the legend of Candyman, which will lead him to a deep obsession.
Another protagonist is Teyonah Parris as Brianna, Anthony's girlfriend and successful talent scout on the art scene. She also has highlights, and the relationship between her character and Anthony's is well thought out and acted out.
Finally as secondary, we have names like Colman Domingo, who plays William Burke and helps Anthony understand the legend of Candyman; a Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Troy), Brianna's brother; and Kyle Kaminsky (Grady), Troy's partner. Overall, they are well written and acted, and all contribute positively to the film.
In my opinion it is a film that has more plot and suspense than horror. It had a lot of repercussion and all horror lovers were bombarded with the publicity about this film. Therefore, my expectations were high for the adrenaline rush of being scared. However that did not happen, the most that was experienced was tension, and a story that although it surprised you, was predicted.