Mindcage (2022) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)

In this supernatural crime thriller, Martin Lawrence may not take a career turn like his peers, but he does find himself in one of his best productions in years.

Director(s)	Mauro Borrelli
Screenplay By	Reggie Keyohara III
Based On	Story By Mauro Borrelli
Date Released (Video On Demand)	December 16, 2022
Genre(s)	Action, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller
Duration	1 Hour and 36 Minutes
Content Rating	Rated R
Noted Cast
Arnaud Lefeuvre “The Artist”	John Malkovich
Jake Doyle	Martin Lawrence
Mary Kelly	Melissa Roxburgh

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Film Summary

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Over 5 years ago, Arnaud Lefeuvre, known as “The Artist,” killed 6 women, all sex workers, in elaborate, religious pieces. Jake was there, with his partner at the time, and with Arnaud in prison, the rise of a copycat is startling, frustrating, and alarming. What doesn’t help is that his partner, Mary, leads a crusade to get Arnaud to help as he seeks answers as to who the copycat is. This leads to minimal results, as more women are killed, until a reveal that reminds you to never question the divine.

Things To Note

Why Is “Mindcage” Rated R

• Dialog: Nothing particularly vulgar and notable
• Violence: Gun violence, graphic depiction of dead bodies, implied depiction of murder
• Sexual Content: N/A
• Miscellaneous: Depiction of child abuse

Character Descriptions

Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.

Arnaud “The Artist”

Arnaud has been interested in religious art since his childhood and has always found himself drawn to depictions of saints and angels. But it isn’t until speaking to Samael does his life take a turn, and he finds himself slowly drawn towards destruction and creation.

• You May Also Know The Actor From Being: Beach Miller in the upcoming “The Line,” Dr. Adrian Mallory in “Space Force,” and Sir John Brannox in “The New Pope.”

Jake

Traumatized from his first encounter with “The Artist,” Jake wants little to do with him in this new case, for alongside what he saw “The Artist” create, he is still mourning his partner before Mary, that he says “The Artist” killed.

• You May Also Know The Actor From Being: Marcus Burnett in the “Bad Boys” franchise, Malcolm and Big Momma in the “Big Momma” franchise, and various characters in “Martin.”

Mary

Like Arnaud, Mary experienced a form of abuse growing up. But, while Arnaud experienced physical abuse, Mary’s was mental due to how her father pushed the concept of what hell is like. Thus leading to a life in which faith wasn’t something she strongly had, beyond faith in herself.

• You May Also Know The Actor From Being: Michaela Stone in “Manifest” and Heather in “I Still Believe”

Review

Our Rating: Positive (Worth Seeing)

Highlights

The Angel Art

The pieces of Katarzyna Konieczka and Chintamani Lila, which feature people posed as angelic figures, are one of the big draws to “Mindcage.” Note, the pieces aren’t overly violent, beyond you knowing how they are made, but that allows you to appreciate their beauty in a way. Though it also pushes you to wish, in regards to either “The Artist” or their copycat, we got to see the process more like seeing John Kramer, or his successors, create the Jigsaw traps in “SaW.” For while we get minor scenes, we don’t get the full weight of the creations due to the film wanting to keep the copycat’s face under wrap.

A Quality Mystery With A Decent Finish

What not too many mystery films we watch do, is give you a sense of how it can be this person, that person, and give you the kind of evidence necessary to constantly change which direction you are pointing your finger. “Mindcage” is different. While you may not get dizzy in switching up who you’re looking towards, you’re given enough to potentially be wrong with your knee-jerk and even your evidence-based assumptions.

Now, as for how things end? I’ll admit it is kind of weak, regarding who is revealed to be the killer and how they got away with what they did. However, their comeuppance is satisfying enough to forgive what was a decent but far from remarkable reveal.

On The Fence

While Decent, It Is Also Forgettable

When it comes to “Mindcage,” the biggest stand out is the angel art, which I feel we’ve seen in another movie, but I just can’t pin down which one. However, while some of the visuals are notable as you watch, the film is ultimately forgettable. Yes, there is quality character development as we learn about Mary and Arnaud’s upbringing, which includes flashbacks of Arnaud’s childhood with his mother. Also, Lawrence is given a character that does allow you to see that he could pursue drama more and be a credible actor in the genre.

However, “Mindcage” feels like the majority of cop dramas that bet everything on the killer and their crimes, and while Malkovich as Arnaud isn’t terrible, he isn’t iconic either. It’s good enough, and while good enough can justify a rental price for a movie, it doesn’t leave an impression that pushes you to want more or see this as a major film in anyone’s career.

Who Is This For?

“Mindcage” is definitely for an audience who loves a villain who does gruesome crimes and has a personality that could be seen as curious and disturbing. Yet, despite a nature that pushes the idea they are a lone wolf with no interest in human connection, they strangely find themselves drawn to a cop and vie for their attention.