Fran Kranz makes an impressive directorial debut with Mass an American indie drama, starring Reed Birney, Ann Dowd, Jason Isaacs, and Martha Plimpton as grieving parents who meet to discuss a tragedy involving their sons.
The film world premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Fest on January 30, 2021, and was released on October 8, 2021, by Bleecker Street.
At the BAFTA Awards, Dowd received a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Jay and Gail Perry (Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton) are parents grieving the death of their son, a victim of a school shooting.
Richard and Linda (Reed Birney and Ann Dowd) are the parents of the perpetrator.
Six years after the horrific tragedy, which unfortunately happens all too often in the U.S., both couples agree to meet and talk.
Offering an emotionally raw look at anger, pain, and grief, Mass was acclaimed by critics, who praised Kranz’s sharp screenplay and sensitive direction.
The grim subject matter, an unspeakable tragedy ripped off the newspapers in its timeliness, made Mass harrowing to watch, but ultimately rewarding in providing catharsis to its characters as well as the audience members.
The low-budget film, which was shot in twelve days, announced the arrival of a major bold talent to watch.
Cast
Reed Birney as Richard
Ann Dowd as Linda
Jason Isaacs as Jay Perry
Martha Plimpton as Gail Perry
Breeda Wool as Judy
Kagen Albright as Anthony
Michelle N. Carter as Kendra
Credits:
Directed by Fran Kranz
Written by Fran Kranz
Produced by Fran Kranz, Dylan Matlock, Casey Wilder Mott,
J.P. Ouellette
Cinematography: Ryan Jackson-Healy
Edited by Yang Hua Hu
Music by Darren Morze
Production:: 7 Eccles Street, Circa 1888, 5B Productions
Distributed by Bleecker Street
Release: January 30, 2021 (Sundance) October 8, 2021 (US)
Running time 110 minutes
Budget < $300,000[
