The main cast is very good. Walsh brings a lot of empathy and intensity to her police officer role. Her chemistry with Marty is excellent, as highlighted during an early scene centering around breakfast. Marty plays Ben’s frustrations with his options in life realistically, keeping the drama grounded. McArthur is outstanding as the no-nonsense tracker. At a diner after breakfast (lunch?), she’s boxed in by a giant pick-up. The driver tries to smooth talk his way out of it and hits on her. Well, Stacey is having none of it and hits him in the face. It’s a fantastic build-up, as the actress acts meek and like she’s into it before turning tables. Pure delight!
However, some of the supporting cast is less than ideal. For example, the first victim’s mom, who plays a vital role later on, is unconvincing when mourning and crying over the body. Other minor parts are also not very believable. But, the most significant supporting persons, such as Julian Black Antelope as elder Carson, really shines in his few scenes.
“…evocative and creepy…”
Plus, the make-up throughout Don’t Say Its Name is top-notch. The blood and guts strewn about the crime scenes look realistic and disgusting, as do the messed-up bodies of the victims. The score by Beau Shiminsky is evocative and creepy, capturing the terror in each scene. The first two-thirds of the screenplay effectively set up the characters, explores Indigenous peoples’ culture, and looks at their future, while delivering an engaging mystery about who or what is murdering these people and why.
Sadly, the last 15 or 20 minutes devolve into generic supernatural fodder, with the reasoning behind everything being quite a letdown. Plus, there’s extensive use of CGI in the conclusion that is unintentionally goofy as hell. So, while so much of the production works for so long, it leaves viewers on a sour note.
The finale of Don’t Say Its Name may turn off viewers from recommending it to anyone else. But, the rest of the film is engaging enough to still recommend. The performances of the leads are strong, and the unflinching look at Tribal life helps the production carve out a unique identity. Plus, the setting is so perfectly utilized that even the imperfections cannot take away from the tension and dread present throughout.
Don’t Say Its Name screened at the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival.
"…explores Indigenous peoples' culture, and looks at their future..."
