Mandy is the newest film from director Panos Cosmatos. Mandy revolves around the relationship of Mandy Bloom and Red Miller, a quiet couple living together in a cozy cabin in the woods. Mandy is an artist and lover of high fantasy, and Red is a real mans man, working as a lumberjack. Suddenly one night their lives are flipped upside down when a strange cult invades their home. What happens after that is a tense, euphoric, and explosive experience.

I saw Mandy sitting in the Texas Theater, it’s a large auditorium room that seats 650 people. I saw It in the middle of the workweek, so I actually was the only one in theater. I’ve heard people saying that this is a movie to see with a packed crowd, and to bring all of your friends to, and I totally believe you should. But, me sitting in this massive room surrounded by nothingness really made Mandy a moviegoing experience I won’t forget. The cinematography and sound design is incredible and intense. The soundtracks blasts into your ears and gives you an unsettling anxiety. The long shots and dramatic lighting ooze with style and substance.

Nicholas Cage delivers in this movie. The first half of the film really doesn’t have to do with him, it’s the second half that really showcases his role. It’s like he’s a rocket waiting to be launched, and when he does, it’s insane. I love Nicholas Cage for his ability to lose himself in any role. His signature “freak-outs” are very present in Mandy, and are so absurd and out there it actually made me love him more. There are moments in this movie I will not spoil, but are completely worth seeing in theaters.

My only complaint is a pretty slow start, but I feel as though I’d appreciate that more now that I know how the movie will pan out. The beginning takes some time to lay out some exposition about the cult and the nature of the leader. There are some beautiful and hypnotic shots though that keep those scenes interesting.
All in all, I would say that Mandy is a cinematic blast. I believe if you have the ability to see it theaters, do it! I will say it is not for the faint of heart. There are brutally violent moments that are hard to see, but those moments also beef the movie up to the cult following it has already received. If you want full crazy Nic Cage killing people with a giant axe, this is the one for you!