Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: MASTER [SxSW Film 2022 - Virtual]
Like aspects of "Them" which explored racism, isolation and paranoia on all sides in suburban California, "Master" (Festival Favorites) [also from Amazon] takes another view of systematic racism bathed in an essence of forward thinking and traumatic backlash. Like "Them" (but without the more overt musical and visual flairs), "Master" does an interesting thing in creating a kernel of mythology and perhaps the supernatural underneath its characters' visions and paranoia and yet their concerns are very real. There is a parallel story running between Regina Hall's character Gail who takes over as a House Master at a New England college though the basis of the reasoning versus her tenure is a little vague. The looming element is that this place has a connection or representation in the Salem Witch Trials as well as some textures of subjugation (because racism was of course not confined to The South).
"The Scarlet Letter" is a looming metaphor underneath the entire film, especially in what different people see as its interpretation and/or meaning. Zoe Renee plays Jasmine who is a valedictorian from Washington State that seemingly picks this school for a reason but it is never quite clear. She indeed is motivated by her ambition but the underlying racism she chooses to ignore or simply suggestive comments by would-be silver spoons that become more stabbing as time goes on don't affect her until it is almost shown to her that the spectre might be following her around. This icon of darkness is of course a overlying metaphor more than anything.
Amber Gray is the interesting wrench in the proceedings in that she offers a different perspective on opportunity, especially how things are perceived and how she projects onto others. Certain imagery especially with blood red and references to the Civil War of course are part of the construct that writer/director Mariama Diallo brings to the table. The feeling of dread and needing to conform is a double edged sword...being an outsider even while being on the same side of the story. The duality and expectation at one point become very literal with Bishop and Jasmine...with that hint of no escape unless someone truly takes a stand which might simply be removing oneself from the play. "Master" is about perception and intent while realizing the darkness of some inherent truths that continue to plague society. B
By Tim Wassberg
