Number Rolled: 64
Movie Name/Year: Mute
(2018)
Tagline: He doesn’t
need words.
Genre: Mystery,
Sci-Fi, Thriller
Length: 126
minutes
Rating: TV-MA
Production Companies:
Liberty Films UK, Studio Babelsberg
Producer: Trevor
Beattie, Collin Creighton, Stuart Fenegan, Pauline Fischer, Christoph Fisser, Bill
Johnson, Henning Molfenter, Ted Sarandos, Charles J.D. Schlissel, Jim Seibel, Charlie
Woebcken
Director: Duncan
Jones
Writer: Michael
Robert Johnson, Duncan Jones
Actors: Alexander
Skarsgård, Seyneb Saleh, Robert Sheehan, Paul Rudd, Daniel Fathers, Nikki
Lamborn, Noel Clarke, Robert Kazinsky, Gilbert Owuor, Justin Theroux, Ulf
Herman, Andrzej Blumenfeld, Jannis Niewöhner, Mia-Sophie Bastin, Lea-Marie
Bastin, Dominic Monaghan
Blurb from Netflix:
When his girlfriend vanishes, a mute man ventures into a near-future Berlin’s
seamy underworld, where his actions speak louder than words.
Selina’s Point of View:
There’s very little that’s unique about the actual story in Mute, but it’s got an interesting take with
the cyber-punk background and the Amish/mute main character.
I had some issues with the beginning. There was a bit of a
pacing issue that made me feel kind of bored for the first 15 minutes or so. Considering
the long run-time of Mute, I think a
lot of what I had issue with could have been cut with little to no effect on
the overall product.
Once I got passed the start, though, I wound up absorbed by
the twists and turns of the quest the main character went on.
Mute also had one
of the single most brutal scenes I’ve ever seen in it. Not just because of the
actual violence involved, but because of the various plot lines that converge
on the point – including some ridiculously terrifying use of sound to drive the
point home. No spoilers, of course, but once you watch the film, you’ll know
what I’m talking about.
Cat’s Point of View:
This movie was rather refreshing. It delivered something
interesting and unique that surpassed my expectations. This is definitely one
of the Netflix Originals that they got right. Of course, it helps that the
writer and director has talent literally running through his veins. Duncan
Jones (Whistle, Moon, Source Code),
son of the late and legendary David Bowie (The
Prestige, Arthur and the Invisibles, Bandslam), really captured the essence
of this futuristic mystery.
The world inhabited by this story’s tragic characters is
gritty and dark, but it is set in contrast with the sheen of ultra-modern
architecture and other technological wonders. I loved the idea that things
present in today’s world might still be knocking around in the future. I also
had a good laugh over the future’s currency – but that’s something else
entirely. You’ll know why when you see it.
The visuals, while excellent, stayed appropriately in the
background rather than detracting from or fighting with the story. Let me tell
you – this is a good one. There’s a lot of subtle nuance laced into the world
surrounding the characters as well, giving context to this future world without
overtly spelling things out for the audience.
We’ve talked before about the challenges of a non-verbal
character. Alexander Skarsgård (War on
Everyone, The Legend of Tarzan, Big Little Lies) really stood out for me in
his role as Leo. He’s not the only
well-known actor here either.
Before I explore some of the others, though, I have to gush
for a moment about Seyneb Saleh (Offroad,
The Lies of the Victors, Dogs of Berlin) in the role of Naadirah. Blue hair
and alabaster skin is a stunning combination. I enjoyed the pathos of her
character and I hope to see her in more movies in the future.
I have to say that his type of character is a bit different
from what I’m used to seeing from Paul Rudd (Dinner for Schmucks, Wanderlust, Fun Mom Dinner). It was an
unexpected detour, and yet he aced the essence of an ‘asshole American.’
Jones also did a really good job here weaving comedy into
the darkness that dances with romance and mystery in this story. There’s just
enough of a light touch to some moments to keep it from getting too heavy. I
won’t lie, though, there’s only so much levity. I am such a sap.
All told, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I’m not sure that
I’d hop on this feels rollercoaster again soon, but I’d probably give this one
another watch to see if I could catch more tidbits in the background. I
certainly wouldn’t have any problems recommending it to others. Just keep in
mind that this should be considered a really strong R Rating.
Languages
Speech Available:
English, Spanish, French, Italian, German
Subtitles Available:
English, Spanish, French, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 16%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 48%
Metascore - 35/100
Metacritic User Score – 5.4/10
IMDB Score – 5.4/10
Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 3.5/5
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating
– 4/5
Movie Trailer:
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