Black Death – Review

It is the year of our lord 1358. The fumes of the dead hang in the air like poison. A plague and pestilence leaves half of the kingdom dead. Priests say it is God’s punishment, but the people thought it was the devil’s work, or witchcraft.

After the death of Brother Ignacios, the Staveley monastery is unsure of what to do, other than have Brother Abbot (Warner) lead a prayer. After release from confinement over fears of him being sick, a young monk Osmund (Redmayne) wanders the streets of England, which are full of rotting corpses and rats galore.

He meets up with Averill (Nixon), his hidden love. With the monastery no longer safe, he urges her to go back to Dentwich. She begs for him to go with her, but Osmund refuses to betray God in this way. She will wait for him at Martyr’s Cross in the forest for one week. Then, she will be gone.

While Osmund prays for a sign, in walks Ulric (Bean), envoy to the bishop. Word has reached the bishop of a sanctuary village which has not yet been ravaged. It is claimed this village is beyond death’s icy grip. Abbot is not swayed by rumor and superstition. Ulric says the flock must not look beyond God for answers, and this village must be seen. He demands a guide to the place through the great marsh. Osmund volunteers, as he knows the area having been raised in Dentwich forest. He also wants to find Averill. They will leave at dawn, and Abbot warns the boy of Ulric’s danger.

So begins a harrowing and dark journey through medieval plagues and religious reckoning. Ulric and his brutal soldiers must find out the truth, whatever this means and in any way possible. The rumors are that there will be demons and necromancers, which must be cleansed.

Black Death is a decent historical romp through one of humanity’s darkest times. When steel and strength mean nothing to a world of plague, what are men of God meant to do against it? As the men expect a village full of demonic forces, how will they react to whatever reality they may find?

This film is more good than bad, but not everyone will like the edge that it walks. It is well realized for what it is, and worth a watch due to a decent cast and production values. It is not the feel-good tale of the year, but brings some interesting historical observations.

Comparisons below are mostly based on the vibe, or a few of the elements, or approximate period setting.