Jagged Mind review: A not-so-gripping exploration of queer relationships and the dangers of obsession

2.5/5

Story: Billie is plagued by blackouts and strange visions that lead her to discover she's stuck in a series of time loops, possibly related to her mysterious new girlfriend.

Review: In time for Pride Month, Kelley Kali's Jagged Mind offers a unique take on the erotic thriller genre, centering around a lesbian couple and delving into the rarely explored theme of domestic abuse within queer relationships. The film tackles this weighty subject matter with a sense of urgency and seriousness while incorporating genre elements that make it more accessible to viewers.

The story follows Billie, played by Maisie Richardson-Sellers, who is plagued by blackouts and disturbing visions that hint at her being trapped in a series of time loops. These experiences seem to be connected to her enigmatic new girlfriend. The film immediately thrusts the audience into Billie's disorienting journey, as she grapples with a sense of déjà vu and attempts to uncover the truth behind her mysterious affliction.

Jagged Mind employs the familiar trope of a time loop but manages to bring a fresh perspective through its unique set of rules. However, despite the intriguing premise and the development of complex characters, the execution of the film leaves much to be desired. The revelation of the time loop system itself feels underwhelming, occurring only much later in the film, and that too without much impact.

This lack of impact extends to other aspects of the film as well, with loose ends and an overall sense of unprofessionalism. The uneven execution may not be due to a lack of effort or commitment from the people involved, but it fails to materialise into a cohesive and engaging narrative. The initial promise established in the first 15 minutes dissipates as the film progresses.

Although the film falls short of delivering a traditional sense of mystery, it succeeds in exploring the characters' journeys. Billie and Alex, the two lead characters, are complex and flawed, defying the hero-villain dichotomy. Particularly, Alex's character, portrayed by Shannon Woodward, showcases depth and nuance, even though her actions may be misguided. Viewers can still grasp her motivations at a basic level.

Verdict: Despite its intentional timeline confusion, Jagged Mind remains straightforward in its messaging about abusive relationships. It presents a clear metaphor throughout the film. The tension and compelling performances from the two leads keep viewers engaged, and the film succeeds in offering a refreshing take on queer storytelling by focusing on a genre conflict unrelated to sexuality. But it falls short of its potential due to loose ends, uneven execution, and a lack of professionalism. It may not be a standout film, but it offers an intriguing entry into queer filmmaking that goes beyond the typical narratives surrounding sexuality.