Mass
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 8, 2021
Genre
Drama
Cast & Crew
- Jason Isaacs as Jay Perry
- Martha Plimpton as Gail Perry
- Ann Dowd as Linda Collins
- Reed Birney as Richard Collins
Director
Fran Kranz
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Mass marks Fran Kranz’s directorial debut.
Producer
Fran Kranz, Dylan Matlock, Casey Wilder Mott, J.P. Ouellette
Writer
Fran Kranz
Budget
$300,000 (estimated)
Production Company
7 Eccles Street, Bleecker Street
Running Time
111 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Intense emotional themes
- Discussions of violence and loss
- Depictions of grief and trauma
Movie Story
“Mass” is a searing drama that explores the aftermath of a school shooting through the lens of two sets of parents meeting face-to-face in an effort to find closure. The film takes place almost entirely within the confines of a small, nondescript church room, where the four characters confront their shared tragedy.
Jay (Jason Isaacs) and Gail Perry (Martha Plimpton) are the grieving parents of a young boy who was killed in a school shooting. Linda (Ann Dowd) and Richard Collins (Reed Birney) are the parents of the shooter, a boy who also lost his life during the tragic event. The film begins as the two couples, still raw with grief and guilt, come together to discuss the unimaginable.
What unfolds is an intense, emotionally charged conversation that dives deep into themes of blame, forgiveness, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. As the parents grapple with their pain, they seek to understand each other, and themselves, in the wake of their children’s actions. The dialogue-driven narrative allows the actors to deliver powerful, nuanced performances, with each character revealing layers of emotion as the conversation progresses.
The film doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions but instead presents a raw and honest portrayal of grief and the struggle to move forward after an unimaginable loss. Through its minimalist setting and focus on dialogue, “Mass” creates an intimate atmosphere that draws the audience into the characters’ emotional journey, making the experience both intense and profoundly moving.
Special Effects
“Mass” is a dialogue-driven film that relies entirely on the strength of its performances and script rather than on special effects. The film’s power comes from its raw, emotional exchanges and the tension that builds within the small, confined space where the story unfolds.
Box Office Performance
“Mass” had a limited theatrical release and was well-received on the film festival circuit, earning critical acclaim for its performances and storytelling. While it did not achieve significant commercial success due to its limited release, the film resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, establishing itself as a powerful independent drama.
Filming Locations
- Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Notable Quotes
- “I want to forgive you, but I can’t.” – Gail Perry
- “We just need to say something to make it better.” – Linda Collins
Behind-the-Scenes
“Mass” marks the directorial debut of Fran Kranz, who is best known for his acting work. The film was shot in just a few weeks on a modest budget, with the church setting chosen to reflect the intimacy and gravity of the conversation. The cast and crew worked closely together to ensure the film’s emotional tone was handled with care and authenticity.
Awards
- National Board of Review: Best Directorial Debut (Fran Kranz)
- Independent Spirit Awards: Nominated for Best Screenplay (Fran Kranz)
- Sundance Film Festival: Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize
Final Verdict
“Mass” is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking drama that tackles difficult themes with grace and sensitivity. The film’s power lies in its exceptional performances and its ability to convey the complexity of grief and forgiveness without resorting to melodrama. Fran Kranz’s directorial debut is a triumph, delivering a poignant, challenging, and ultimately human story that lingers long after the credits roll.
IMDb Rating
7.6/10