THE PALE BLUE EYE (2022)

In 1830, Constable Landor (Christian Bale) is drafted by the superintendent of West Point to investigate the hanging and mutilation (heart cut out) of a cadet. He isoon gains an ally in a strange, somewhat feverish cadet, Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling), who becomes his tipster, critic and sometimes conscience as Landor's own background comes to light. Though this Netflixer is long and slow at times, the acting is superb, particularly the ever-deeper bonding between Landor and Poe. The outstanding supporting cast includes Toby Jones as the Academy's doctor, Lucy Boynton and Jillian Anderson as his daughter and wife, and Robert Duvall in a cameo as a local scholar and mystic. The occult hangs over this film, and it has two surprise endings. Don't miss it.