Black Mass: Johnny Depp’s Crime Movie Climbs Netflix Charts
Johnny Depp’s acclaimed crime film Black Mass has surged into Netflix’s Top 10 in the United States, reaffirming its lasting appeal. Directed by Scott Cooper, known for works like Crazy Heart and Antlers, this biographical crime drama delves into the real-life story of Whitey Bulger (played by Depp) and his infamous Winter Hill Gang, which terrorized Boston in the 1970s. Upon its release in early September on Netflix, the film has captivated both new audiences and longtime fans.
Netflix recently announced that Black Mass secured the eighth spot on their Top 10 chart for the week of September 9 through September 15, 2024. It finds itself just below Lee Daniels’ supernatural horror film The Deliverance and slightly ahead of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Despite being outshone by newer releases like Rebel Ridge and Uglies, which sit at the number one and two positions respectively, the film’s gripping narrative continues to resonate with viewers.
The Significance of Black Mass‘s Popularity on Netflix
Historical Suspense Brought to Life
Black Mass offers a chilling exploration of the extensive reach of Bulger and his Winter Hill Gang during their dominance in Boston. The film vividly portrays the gang’s intricate relationship with the FBI, particularly through Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), who attempts to use Bulger as an informant, only for Bulger to exploit this position to obscure his unlawful activities. Depp and Edgerton deliver compelling performances, supported by a strong cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch as Billy Bulger, Dakota Johnson as Lindsey Cyr, and David Harbour as John Morris.
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The movie’s success reflects its intense portrayal of a criminal organization whose sinister deeds went largely undisclosed, even long after their downfall. By the conclusion of Black Mass, viewers are provided with a comprehensive cinematic account of this grim chapter in Massachusetts history. The film’s realistic depiction, paired with standout performances from a well-known ensemble, offers a dramatic retelling of the gang’s legacy.
Our Perspective on Black Mass‘s Resurgence
A Deserved Comeback for the 2015 Crime Drama
Despite not securing an Academy Award nomination, even for Depp’s haunting portrayal of Bulger, the film’s engrossing narrative makes its resurgence on Netflix unsurprising. The combination of true crime elements, gripping drama, and stellar performances elevates Black Mass in its depiction of historical events. Achieving a spot in the US Top 10 marks a promising beginning on the platform, suggesting potential for even greater success in the weeks to come.
Scott Cooper, the director of Black Mass, most recently released The Pale Blue Eye in 2023, a Netflix original mystery thriller featuring Christian Bale.
Source: Netflix
Black Mass
- Drama
- Documentary
- Thriller
Black Mass is a crime drama biography based on the true story of one of the most notorious criminals in U.S. History, Whitey Bulger. When Bulger's turf is encroached on by a rival mafia family, the Angiulo brothers, the death of one of his own mafia family members leads him to join his long-time friend and become an informant for the FBI to exact his revenge - and push the Angiulo's out of his turf.
