Jagged Mind, directed by Kelley Kali, presents a familiar premise of time loops, where a woman named Billie finds herself trapped in a perplexing cycle of blackouts and surreal visions. As she tries to unravel the mystery behind her predicament, the film delves into themes of identity, relationships, and the complexities of the human mind. While it boasts solid performances from Maisie Richardson-Sellers and Shannon Woodward, Jagged Mind ultimately fails to deliver a fresh take on the time-loop concept, making it one of the weaker entries in this subgenre.
Without a doubt, the lead performance by Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Billie stands out as one of the film’s highlights. Richardson-Sellers brings depth and vulnerability to the character, capturing the audience’s attention with her convincing portrayal. Equally noteworthy is Shannon Woodward, known for her memorable performance as Dina in the video game The Last of Us Part II. Woodward delivers a strong performance, lending credibility to her character and creating a palpable chemistry between her and Richardson-Sellers.
However, despite the commendable performances, Jagged Mind struggles to breathe new life into the tired concept of time loops. With films like Groundhog Day and Happy Death Day setting the bar high in this subgenre, Jagged Mind falls short of the mark. The story lacks originality and fails to offer a fresh perspective, leaving audiences with a sense of déjà vu. Rather than exploring new avenues within the time-loop narrative, the film falls back on predictable tropes, rendering it disappointingly unremarkable.
One aspect of the film that is hard to overlook is the consistently poor lighting in certain scenes. While it is understandable that darkness and shadows can contribute to the atmosphere of mystery and tension, the film takes this concept too far. At times, the lighting is so dim that it becomes frustratingly difficult to discern what is happening on screen. This lack of visual clarity hinders the audience’s engagement and detracts from the overall viewing experience.
Nevertheless, the film does showcase some positive elements. The editing is commendable, effectively transitioning between different time loops and capturing the disorienting nature of Billie’s experiences. The skillful editing adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, enhancing the sense of confusion and curiosity surrounding Billie’s situation.
In addition to the editing, the cinematography of Jagged Mind deserves recognition. The camera work is visually striking, capturing the essence of Billie’s fragmented reality through carefully composed shots and creative angles. The juxtaposition of distorted imagery and serene landscapes creates a visually captivating experience, lending depth to the film’s thematic exploration.
While Jagged Mind may not offer a groundbreaking take on time loops, it still manages to hold the viewer’s attention due to the solid performances, notable editing, and visually arresting cinematography. The supporting cast, including Rizwan Manji and Elizabeth Marvel, deliver competent performances, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative. Furthermore, the film’s sound design effectively creates an unsettling atmosphere, heightening the tension and unease that permeate Billie’s journey.
Although Jagged Mind falls short in certain areas, it does succeed in crafting a sense of psychological unease and providing glimpses of the characters’ emotional turmoil. The exploration of Billie’s internal struggles and her evolving relationships adds depth to the narrative, giving audiences moments of introspection and contemplation.
Jagged Mind is a mixed bag, presenting a familiar time-loop concept with some standout performances and visually captivating moments. However, its lack of originality and occasional poor lighting diminish the overall impact. While it may not be among the strongest entries in the time-loop subgenre, it still offers glimpses of intrigue and provides a platform for talented actors to shine. Fans of Richardson-Sellers and Woodward will find enjoyment in their performances, but those seeking a more innovative take on time loops may find more satisfaction in revisiting the classics or exploring other contemporary offerings. If you’re on the lookout for a solid time-loop movie, just go and watch either Groundhog Day or the Happy Death Day films.
Jagged Mind will be available to stream on Hulu beginning June 15, 2023.
Jagged Mind is a mixed bag, presenting a familiar time-loop concept with some standout performances and visually captivating moments.
- GVN Rating 5
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Caillou Pettis is a professional film critic and journalist as well as the author of While You Sleep, The Inspiring World of Horror: The Movies That Influenced Generations, and co-author of Out of Time: True Paranormal Encounters. He has been writing in the entertainment industry for over seven and a half years professionally. Throughout the years, he has written articles for publications including Gold Derby, Exclaim!, CBR, Awards Radar, Awards Watch, Flickering Myth, BRWC, Starburst Magazine, Punch Drunk Critics, Mediaversity Reviews, Vinyl Chapters, Northern Transmissions, and Beats Per Minute.