After a murder takes place at West Point Academy, a nearby detective (Christian Bale) is brought in to investigate. One of the first cadets he interviews is a young Edgar Allen Poe (Harry Melling, who not only bears a resemblance to the author but is the movie’s standout performance). Director Scott Cooper has turned what could have been a standard murder mystery into a visually stylish procedural revolving around the strained relationship of the 2 men. Additionally, the gorgeous production design and dark, beautiful cinematography give the film a historical atmosphere. While the plot may be a bit convoluted, the production elevates the film to a more stylistic level. 
(3.5 / 5)
