The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

 Adapted from the 2003 Louise Bayard novel of the same name, 'The Pale Blue Eye' is a mystery/thriller set in 1830 and built around the investigation into the death of a West Point cadet, a death that may have occult connections. Handsomely mounted and featuring a largish and Brit heavy cast, there is simply not enough heft to the thing. Surpringly little happens, I never felt invested, never felt any meaningful stakes, my mind wanderd. There are a few good character moments and Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley in the 'Harry Potter' films) is something of a revelation in a scene chewy performance as young Edger Allen Poe. I hated the final act. **