"Mindcage," a 2022 American film directed by Mauro Borrelli, takes viewers on a gripping journey into the realms of the supernatural and mystery. Starring Martin Lawrence in his first major non-comedic role, alongside a talented cast including Melissa Roxburgh, John Malkovich, and Robert Knepper, the film weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue.
The story unfolds when Detectives Jake Doyle (Martin Lawrence) and Mary Kelly (Melissa Roxburgh) are faced with a copycat murderer. To unravel the mystery, they turn to an incarcerated serial killer known as "the Artist" (John Malkovich). As Mary delves into the twisted psyche of the Artist, she and Jake become entangled in a diabolical game of cat and mouse, racing against time to outsmart both the copycat and the cunning criminal.
Cast:
- Martin Lawrence as Jake
- Melissa Roxburgh as Mary
- John Malkovich as The Artist
- Robert Knepper as Lt. Owings
- Neb Chupin as Dr. Loesch
- Jacob Grodnik as Dutch
- Chris Mullinax as Homeless Man
- Ritchie Montgomery as Father Linares
- Nellie Sciutto as Lt. Governor Diaz
- Aiden Turner as Dale
- Cassandra Gava as Voodoo Priestess
Production: Filming took place in the atmospheric settings of Springdale and Fayetteville, Arkansas, in August 2021. Despite initial challenges, including a temporary "Do Not Work" notice from SAG-AFTRA due to COVID-19 concerns, the filmmakers overcame obstacles, and the notice was rescinded on August 13, 2021.
Release: The film generated anticipation with its first trailer released on November 7, 2022. "Mindcage" premiered on December 16, 2022, available through Video On Demand (VOD) and in select theaters.
Reception: Critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes has been mixed, with only 20% of 10 critics offering positive reviews, averaging a rating of 3.3/10. While some critics unfavorably compared the film to classics like "The Silence of the Lambs," "Seven," and "Fallen," the surprising twist comes with audience reviews. Despite initial skepticism, the film has resonated well with viewers, earning a positive 66% rating based on over 350 audience reviews.
In a remarkable turn of events, "Mindcage" soared in popularity on Netflix, entering the top 10 movies worldwide in January 2024. Its debut week attracted a staggering 9.1 million viewers, with an impressive total of 14.7 million hours of viewing time. This unexpected success on streaming platforms highlights the film's undeniable appeal to a broader audience beyond initial critical reviews. "Mindcage" proves that sometimes, the true measure of a film's impact lies in its connection with viewers rather than critics.