The New Mutants
Movie Trailer
Release Date
August 28, 2020
Genre
Superhero, Horror, Science Fiction
Cast & Crew
- Maisie Williams as Rahne Sinclair / Wolfsbane
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Illyana Rasputin / Magik
- Charlie Heaton as Sam Guthrie / Cannonball
- Alice Braga as Dr. Cecilia Reyes
- Blu Hunt as Danielle Moonstar / Mirage
- Henry Zaga as Roberto da Costa / Sunspot
Director
Josh Boone
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
- Stuck in Love (2012)
Producer
- Simon Kinberg
- Karen Rosenfelt
- Lauren Shuler Donner
Writer
- Josh Boone
- Knate Lee
Budget
$67–80 million
Production Company
- 20th Century Studios
- Marvel Entertainment
- Genre Films
- Sunswept Entertainment
Running Time
94 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Intense violence and disturbing imagery
- Horror elements
- Language
- Brief sexual content
Movie Story
The New Mutants is a darker, horror-infused entry into the X-Men film franchise that focuses on a group of young mutants discovering and grappling with their powers while being held in a secretive facility. The story centers around five young mutants who are being kept in an isolated hospital for psychiatric monitoring. Each of them has experienced trauma tied to their powers, and they are under the care of Dr. Cecilia Reyes (Alice Braga), who tells them they are there to learn how to control their abilities.
The main characters include Rahne Sinclair (Maisie Williams), a Scottish mutant who can transform into a wolf; Illyana Rasputin (Anya Taylor-Joy), a Russian mutant with the power to create portals and summon a powerful, armored form; Sam Guthrie (Charlie Heaton), a mutant who can propel himself into the air at great speed; Danielle Moonstar (Blu Hunt), a Native American mutant who can create illusions based on people’s fears; and Roberto da Costa (Henry Zaga), a mutant who can absorb and channel solar energy.
As they begin to bond and share their past traumas, the group soon realizes that their worst fears are becoming reality within the walls of the facility. They are not there to be cured or helped but are instead being experimented on and possibly prepared for something far more sinister. The group must band together to fight their way out of the facility and confront the forces that are manipulating them.
The New Mutants combines elements of superhero action with psychological horror, creating an intense atmosphere as the young mutants face both external threats and their inner demons. The film attempts to explore themes of fear, control, and self-acceptance, set against the backdrop of a confined, almost haunted hospital.
Special Effects
The special effects in The New Mutants are primarily focused on bringing the characters’ powers and the film’s horror elements to life. From Rahne’s wolf transformations to Illyana’s otherworldly teleportation and magic sword, the effects play a crucial role in establishing the film’s eerie and supernatural tone. The climactic battle sequences, involving manifestations of the characters’ fears, are visually striking, with a mix of practical effects and CGI used to create a nightmarish landscape within the hospital.
Box Office Performance
The New Mutants faced significant challenges with its release, including multiple delays and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, the film managed to gross over $49 million worldwide. Its performance was hindered by the limited theatrical release and ongoing uncertainties in the global market.
Filming Locations
- Medfield State Hospital, Medfield, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Millis, Massachusetts, USA
Notable Quotes
- “You’re not alone. Not anymore.” – Rahne Sinclair
- “This isn’t a hospital; it’s a cage.” – Illyana Rasputin
- “What’s the last thing you remember before you came here?” – Dr. Cecilia Reyes
Behind-the-Scenes
The New Mutants experienced a tumultuous production process, with several release date changes and rumors of reshoots and re-edits. However, director Josh Boone maintained that the final version of the film closely aligned with his original vision. The film aimed to stand out within the X-Men franchise by blending superhero elements with horror, inspired by classic horror films and the New Mutants comic series. The cast, including Anya Taylor-Joy and Maisie Williams, brought a youthful energy to the film, balancing the darker tone with moments of camaraderie and vulnerability.
Awards
- Nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Superhero Film
Final Verdict
The New Mutants offers a fresh, albeit flawed, take on the superhero genre by merging it with horror. While the film’s narrative and pacing may not fully satisfy all viewers, it delivers a unique and atmospheric experience that sets it apart from other entries in the X-Men franchise. The performances, particularly those of Anya Taylor-Joy and Maisie Williams, and the film’s horror elements make it an intriguing watch for fans of superhero and horror genres alike.
IMDb Rating
5.3/10