Johnny Depp fans, rejoice! Netflix has recently added the actor’s controversial gangster film, Black Mass, to its platform, making it a must-watch.
While the streaming service continues to produce original content like The Deliverance and Rebel Ridge, September saw the addition of several older titles to its catalogue.
One standout film is Black Mass, a biographical crime drama featuring Johnny Depp, David Harbour, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The movie highlights the controversial life of mobster Whitey Bulger and his criminal exploits.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, Black Mass boasts a certified fresh score of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes.
This film diverges from typical biographical narratives, focusing primarily on Bulger’s adult life as a hardened gangster rather than his childhood or the path leading to adulthood.
As the notorious leader of the Winter Hill Gang, an Irish mob that operated in Somerville, Massachusetts, Bulger’s story unfolds as he becomes an FBI informant to help take down the Angiulo Brothers, a rival gang affiliated with the New England Mafia.
Black Mass explores themes of political corruption, violent mob rivalries, and the harsh reality of a life steeped in crime, leading to divided opinions among viewers.
While one critic described it as “frustratingly half-assed,” emphasizing that it could have better captured Bulger’s unique charisma, others praised it. One fan stated, “Overall, Black Mass is an engaging, nail-biting thriller featuring Depp’s best performance in years.”
Although opinions on Depp’s portrayal of Bulger varied, Black Mass was a financial success, grossing $99.8 million against a production budget of $53 million.
For more information, check out the latest movies to watch in September along with our guide to the best films of 2024 so far.
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