Jagged Mind (2023)

My quick rating - 4.6/10. I was absolutely going to delete this one, except for one thing. After it ended, I was chatting with a friend about the whole thing, so it did its job - it got us to actually ponder the whole thing, including the outcome. It does end up being a cut above a high-end Lifetime original thriller, LOL. So if that is a selling point for you, then have at it. Jagged Mind boasts an engaging premise that immediately drew me in. The film centers around Billie, a young woman plagued by blackouts and strange visions, which send her into a confusing series of time loops. As she desperately attempts to solve the mystery behind her continuing experiences, a new and mysterious girlfriend complicates things even further. Unfortunately, what had the potential to be an interesting narrative fell flat due to poor execution and reliance on girl-on-girl romance as a selling point. Really, the romantic angle was unnecessary; the core idea of time loops and strange visions is really all the film needs. Immediately, we're invested in Billie's dilemma, sharing in her desire to learn the truth behind her experiences. Richardson-Sellers has a noticeable vulnerability in her portrayal, well-conveying the character's confusion and desperation as she tries to make sense of her strange situation. Unfortunately, the peripheral characters lack development and have the potential to add emotional depth, but instead come off as awkward and superficial in their interactions. Kelley Kali, the film’s director, fails to tap the potential that the story offers. This is observable in the film’s progression because some scenes that should have so much tension and suspense end up being dull and awkward in their delivery. Consequently, the whole storyline appears disjointed, making us work too hard to keep up. Making this film worse is its exploitation of the ‘girl-girl love interest’. Though there is no problem in pursuing relationships in movies, in this story, it comes off as an afterthought that is intended for marketing purposes only. This also fails to add consequential value to the storyline of the film because its portrayal is superficial in its intent and direction. This film has some elements that make up for its shortcomings. This is in its capturing of the creepy element of the time loop elements and, in some instances, the elements of tension that have the potential of making this film so much better. Check it out since, as a one-time viewing, I would think you may be entertained enough, especially if the marketing ploy doesn't bother you as much as it did for me.

Currently only streaming on Hulu so there or part of your Disney+ subbie.

Jagged Mind (2023)

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