Mindcage (2022)

This film aspires to be a compelling psychological thriller but falls short in several areas. Martin Lawrence's portrayal of Detective Jake Doyle often feels exaggerated, lacking the subtlety needed for the role. In contrast, Melissa Roxburgh delivers a more grounded performance as Detective Mary Kelly, providing some stability to the film. John Malkovich, as the incarcerated serial killer "The Artist," brings his usual strong presence to the role. However, his limited screen time restricts the depth and impact of his character, leaving the audience wanting more from his performance. The production values are modest, with certain technical aspects detracting from the viewing experience. Notably, the sound design suffers from excessive reverb in specific scenes, which diminishes the film's overall quality and gives it an unpolished feel. There is no indication that this audio effect was an intentional artistic choice by the director. While Mindcage has moments that hint at potential, such as its atmospheric settings and a few intriguing plot twists, these elements are overshadowed by its execution flaws. The film struggles to engage the audience fully, resulting in a viewing experience that is ultimately unsatisfying.