Name: Master
Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery
Released: 2022-03-18T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Regina Hall, Zoë Renee, Amber Gray, Talia Ryder, Talia Balsam

The opening shot of Mariama Diallo’s “Master” lingers on the gothic spires of an elite New England university, its brick facade hiding secrets as old as the Salem gallows hill it was built upon. This is a place where history isn’t just remembered—it’s alive, and ready to claim new victims.

Diallo’s directorial debut is a triptych of horror, weaving together the stories of three Black women—Regina Hall’s Gail Bishop, Zoë Renee’s Jasmine Moore, and Amber Gray’s Liv Beckman—as they navigate the treacherous waters of academia. The film’s strength lies in its unflinching examination of systemic racism and the psychological toll it takes on its victims. Diallo doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares; instead, she builds dread through slow-burn tension and unsettling imagery, like the recurring motif of hands reaching out from the shadows.

The film’s central theme—the insidious nature of institutionalized racism—is explored with nuance and depth. Gail Bishop, played by Regina Hall, is a professor struggling to maintain her authority in a system designed to undermine her. Her scenes are charged with a quiet fury, particularly a tense confrontation with Talia Balsam’s Diandra, where the camera lingers on their locked eyes, capturing the raw power struggle between them. This moment is a microcosm of the film’s broader commentary on the erosion of Black agency in predominantly white spaces.

Zoë Renee delivers a standout performance as Jasmine Moore, a student whose paranoia about racial discrimination escalates into something far more sinister. Renee’s portrayal is nuanced, capturing both the vulnerability and resilience of her character. Her scenes are filled with an underlying tension that keeps the audience on edge, wondering if the horrors she experiences are real or a manifestation of her own fears.

Amber Gray provides a grounding presence as Liv Beckman, offering a different perspective on the university’s haunted legacy. Gray’s performance is understated but powerful, serving as a counterpoint to the more overt horror elements of the film. Her character’s story is woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the overall structure.

The film’s structure, while ambitious, sometimes feels uneven. The transitions between Gail’s, Jasmine’s, and Liv’s stories can be jarring, and some narrative threads feel left dangling. Additionally, the horror elements occasionally give way to more conventional thriller tropes, diluting the unique atmosphere Diallo has worked so hard to create.

Despite these flaws, “Master” is a bold and necessary addition to the horror genre. It challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about race and privilege, all while delivering genuinely chilling moments. The film’s exploration of systemic racism is timely and relevant, making it a must-watch for those interested in social commentary.

Comparisons can be drawn to other recent horror films that explore themes of racial injustice, such as “Get Out” and “Us.” However, “Master” sets itself apart with its triptych structure and focus on the experiences of Black women in academia. This unique perspective adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it stand out in a crowded genre.

In terms of genre fit, “Master” straddles the line between horror and drama. While it contains elements of both, it never fully commits to either. This ambiguity can be both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it allows the film to explore themes that might not otherwise fit neatly into traditional horror or drama genres. On the other hand, it can leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied with the lack of clear resolution.

The sound design in “Master” is particularly noteworthy. The use of silence and ambient noise creates an unsettling atmosphere that enhances the film’s horror elements. The score, when it does appear, is subtle and effective, adding to the overall tension without overpowering the narrative.

In conclusion, “Master” is a thought-provoking and chilling exploration of systemic racism and its psychological impact. While its structure and genre ambiguity may leave some viewers wanting more, its bold themes and powerful performances make it a standout in the horror genre.