Denzel Washington has had more than a few great films, but his work in his only supernatural thriller has the makings of one of the creepiest experiences to come out of Hollywood. Despite not gaining much critical or commercial traction, the film has become somewhat of a cult classic.
Fallen, the Training Day alum’s 1998 feature, saw the actor play a detective, hunting a copycat killer, who is actually the demon Azazel. There were a slew of things that the film did right, among them the ending, which painted the entire story in a completely different light, especially given the struggles Washington’s character endured throughout the film.
In Fallen, Denzel Washington only seemingly wins in the end
In the film’s ending, despite it seeming that Washington has managed to ward off the evil that has been plaguing him for quite some time, the case could not be further from the truth. Azazel, the demonic antagonist of the film, addresses the audience directly, asking them if they really thought that Washington’s character won. This has had a lasting effect on fans even today, who shudder to think about the ending of the film.
The film’s ending is an unhappy one, something that usually does not have a market in Hollywood. However, it still remains one of Denzel Washington‘s most thrilling entries into the supernatural thriller canon. The film makes for a great Halloween watch, despite not being a full-fledged horror offering.
26 Years later, Denzel Washinton is still receiving praise for his work
Gladiator II, Denzel Washington’s next project, which serves as a direct sequel to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, has garnered much praise and adoration from early viewers. Critics have especially praised Denzel Washington’s performance and will be saying the role of Macrinus, a scheming former slave of the empire who wants to rule all of Rome and is willing to employ ruthless tactics for it.
Early reviews for the film have called it Scott’s best offering since The Martian, which bodes well for the film. Denzel Washington has had a storied career out of Hollywood and ranks among one of its most bankable stars even in the modern franchise film landscape. Gladiator was a great film on its own, a Hollywood classic, and thanks to the involvement of actors like Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington, along with Scott’s visionary direction, it can be assumed that Gladiator II is also headed for the same success.
Fallen can be bought or rented on Prime Video.
Gladiator II will hit theatres on November 22, 2024.
