Candyman

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 27, 2021

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Anthony McCoy
• Teyonah Parris as Brianna Cartwright
• Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Troy Cartwright
• Colman Domingo as William Burke
• Tony Todd as Daniel Robitaille / Candyman
• Vanessa Estelle Williams as Anne-Marie McCoy

Director
Nia DaCosta

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Little Woods (2018)
• The Marvels (2023)

Producer
Jordan Peele, Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld

Writer
Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Nia DaCosta

Budget
$25 million

Production Company
Monkeypaw Productions, Bron Creative, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Running Time
91 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence and gore
• Disturbing imagery
• Strong language
• Themes of racism and trauma

Movie Story
“Candyman” is a modern-day continuation of the 1992 horror classic, revisiting the legend of the hook-handed killer who appears when his name is spoken five times into a mirror. Set in the same Chicago neighborhood that has since been gentrified, the story follows Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a struggling visual artist who becomes obsessed with the Candyman legend.

Anthony and his girlfriend, Brianna (Teyonah Parris), live in a luxury apartment in the newly gentrified Cabrini-Green, an area once plagued by violence and urban decay. While searching for inspiration, Anthony learns about the Candyman legend from William Burke (Colman Domingo), a laundromat owner with firsthand knowledge of the neighborhood’s dark history. Intrigued, Anthony begins incorporating the Candyman mythos into his art, unwittingly resurrecting the vengeful spirit.

As Anthony dives deeper into the lore, he begins to experience strange occurrences, and his mental state deteriorates. The Candyman’s curse spreads through his artwork, leading to a series of brutal murders. The film explores themes of systemic racism, historical trauma, and the cyclical nature of violence, connecting the supernatural elements to real-world issues.

The narrative ties back to the original film, revealing how the Candyman legend has evolved over time, manifesting through different figures within the Black community who have been wronged by society. The film builds to a harrowing climax, where the true nature of Candyman is revealed, and Anthony’s fate is sealed in a chilling and thought-provoking ending.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Candyman” are both visually striking and deeply unsettling. The film uses practical effects combined with CGI to create the gruesome and haunting imagery associated with the Candyman myth. The mirror sequences, where the Candyman appears and commits his violent acts, are particularly effective, creating a sense of dread and suspense. The film also employs innovative visual techniques, such as shadow puppetry, to depict the legend’s history, adding a unique artistic touch that enhances the storytelling.

Box Office Performance
“Candyman” performed well at the box office, grossing over $77 million worldwide despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was praised for its social commentary, chilling atmosphere, and Nia DaCosta’s direction, making it one of the standout horror releases of 2021.

Filming Locations

• Chicago, Illinois, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Tell everyone.” – Candyman
• “The urban legend is, if you say his name five times while looking in the mirror, he appears in the reflection and kills you.” – William Burke

Behind-the-Scenes
Nia DaCosta, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld, approached “Candyman” as both a horror film and a social commentary, delving into issues of race, gentrification, and the lingering effects of historical trauma. Jordan Peele’s influence is evident in the film’s thematic depth and psychological horror elements. The decision to revisit the original Candyman mythology while expanding its scope allowed the film to resonate with both fans of the original and new audiences. The film’s cast, particularly Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, was praised for bringing depth and nuance to their roles, grounding the supernatural horror in real human experiences.

Awards

• Nominated for Critics’ Choice Super Awards: Best Horror Movie
• Nominated for NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II)

Final Verdict
“Candyman” is a powerful and thought-provoking horror film that successfully blends scares with social commentary. Nia DaCosta’s direction, combined with strong performances and striking visuals, makes this a worthy continuation of the original while standing on its own as a modern horror classic. The film’s exploration of themes such as racism, gentrification, and collective trauma adds layers of meaning to the terror, making it a must-watch for both horror fans and those interested in films that tackle relevant social issues.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10