Say what you will about Creep (2004), Severance (2006), and Triangle (2009) individually — I happen to think they’re all cool films — but taken together they’re a clear indication of a filmmaker who A) loves genre films, and B) actively tries to do a very different “sub-genre” each time out. Creep was a basic but stylish monster/slasher combo; Severance was a darkly funny horror/comedy mash-up; and Triangle was a feature-length “Twilight Zone” episode that somehow managed to stay interesting for a full 90 minutes. That makes three strong offerings right out of the gate for British filmmaker Christopher Smith, and it’s with no small sense of surprise that that I say his fourth, Black Death, is his coolest flick yet.
As the title suggests, the story takes place in the year 1348, and England has been ravaged by the plague. We’re briefly introduced to a conflicted young novice (monk in training) who deeply loves God … but also has a girlfriend. Into the monastery steps “holy warrior” Ulric, who informs the monks that he needs a guide “past the great marsh,” and he has the Bishop’s blessing. Young Osmund sees this as a clear sign from God: he will lead these men on their hallowed journey. But where are they going?
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