Johnny Depp’s ‘Black Mass’ Debuts on Netflix This Week

This week, Netflix adds a notable crime thriller to its streaming lineup with the debut of “Black Mass,” a 2015 film that showcases Johnny Depp in a riveting portrayal of a notorious criminal. Depp, renowned for his diverse roles across various genres throughout his illustrious 40-year career, once again delves into the world of crime drama with this acclaimed film.

Johnny Depp’s career spans a broad range of genres, from horror and action comedies to musicals and fantasy. He has captivated audiences in iconic roles such as the macabre Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow, the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, the darkly compelling Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and the fantastical Edward Scissorhands and the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. His performances in dramas like Finding Neverland and animated features such as Corpse Bride and Rango further demonstrate his versatility and depth as an actor.

Among his many film achievements, Depp has also made a mark in the crime thriller genre. His portrayal of real-life gangster John Dillinger in Public Enemies (2011) and the infamous crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger in Black Mass (2015) are notable highlights of his career in this genre. Although Depp did not receive an Oscar nomination for his role in Black Mass, he was recognized with Best Actor nods from both the Screen Actors Guild and the Critics Choice Association, underscoring his compelling performance.

“Black Mass” focuses on the life of James “Whitey” Bulger, a notorious criminal and the brother of a state senator. The film, directed by Scott Cooper, presents the true story of Bulger’s rise to infamy in South Boston, where he became a feared mobster and, paradoxically, an FBI informant. The film’s logline encapsulates its premise: “The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf.”

Released on September 18, 2015, Black Mass garnered considerable attention and achieved moderate box office success. According to The Numbers, the film earned approximately $62.6 million domestically and $36.2 million internationally, resulting in a global total of $98.8 million. This was achieved against a production budget of $53 million, excluding costs for prints and advertising.

The critical reception of Black Mass was generally positive. Rotten Tomatoes critics awarded the film a 73% “fresh” rating based on 292 reviews. The Critics Consensus on the platform praised the film for its gripping narrative and Depp’s performance, stating, “Black Mass spins a gripping yarn out of its fact-based story — and leaves audiences with one of Johnny Depp’s most compelling performances in years.” Audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes also reflected approval, with a 68% “fresh” score from over 10,000 user ratings.

In addition to Depp’s performance, Black Mass features a strong ensemble cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson, Kevin Bacon, Joel Edgerton, Jesse Plemons, Peter Sarsgaard, Adam Scott, Juno Temple, Corey Stoll, and David Harbour. The film’s depiction of Bulger was further enhanced by Depp’s transformative use of makeup prosthetics. Depp, in a 2015 interview with Variety, discussed his approach to embodying the character and the challenge of making the audience forget his well-known persona. “I wasn’t worried at all only because what’s done is done,” Depp shared. “But I want an audience to lose themselves. When they’re seeing what they know to be this guy called Johnny Depp and all his baggage and all his movies, I want them to forget me. That’s the great test.”

Depp’s commitment to his craft and his desire for audiences to fully immerse themselves in his characters are evident in his performance as Bulger. He expressed confidence in the transformative process, stating, “If I can get them within three to five minutes, we’re going to be okay. But if they immediately go, ‘I’m watching some guy in makeup,’ then I’m screwed.”

“Black Mass” is rated R and will begin streaming on Netflix on Thursday, September 12. Fans of crime thrillers and Johnny Depp’s extensive filmography can look forward to experiencing this gripping portrayal of one of Boston’s most infamous figures.