Mind-Set

Directed by Mikey Murray

2023

Bulldog Film Distribution presents Mind-Set in select cinemas and on demand 6 October

New dark comedy drama Mind-set sees an unsettled couple question the foundations of their ongoing bond as they explore and reflect on their challenging personalities and life choices.

Lucy (Eilis Cahill) and Paul (Steve Oram) are introduced early on with various problems as a stale sex life and inappropriate conversations establish their routine relationship, with that romantic spark clearly on its last legs.

The film throws us straight into their private space, not shying from bodily functions as Lucy is shown on the toilet and Paul passes wind post-coitus and discusses “women’s problems”. The toilet humour continues (literally) at a house party as he demonstrates some bathroom habits in front of his uncomfortable guests.

Mind-set however presents these in a matter of fact tone, not hiding from the nature of long-term relationships as personal boundaries slowly wear away. The director often uses a hand-held camera to capture these moments authentically, along with an improvisational quality that heightens the realism even further.

At the party, Lucy meets the successful Daniel (an excellent supporting turn from Peter Bankolé) which begins to spur her into more adventurous activities in order to break the domestic monotony of her everyday life.

With unhealthy communication, both actors are a superb double team as equivalently frustrated partners. Steve Oram is suitably brilliant as the often-awful Paul – saying every wrong thing at every wrong time as he serves up unintentional insults. Yet the unpleasant actions are often contrasted with moments of hilarity, from Paul’s glorious Y-fronts to his disconcerting masturbation and surreal back-hand compliments.

Yet sometimes this is tonally a little strange with incredibly serious instances turning on a dime to comedy. Much of it works but a few didn’t for me, especially with an absurd quip undercutting a great dramatic scene from the actors, doing them a little disservice.

However, the intention is sound. The reality is that relationships are messy and gallows humour can often sit closely with arguments. And good and bad times regularly occur together, not weeks apart.

With their romance gone, Paul is not the only one shown to be taking everything for granted. Lucy hits breaking point and finds an outlet by playing squash with Daniel. Then a clumsy attempt at clandestine no-strings sex has her verbally berating him owing to her own imagined insecurities. And this is exceptionally played by Eilis Cahill in a nuanced performance that matches Oram at every step.

Again, the director uses a great technique to get these interactions across. Lucy is shown staring at an outside world which is not only standing still but in fact going backwards. Tennis is used as an appropriate back-and-forth metaphor and shots are composed so we don’t always get the full picture. Ear-chilling cutlery scraping on plates at near-silent meals, plus the well-written fast dialogue, are incorporated adeptly into the sound-mix too.

As the story progresses, despite wondering why Lucy doesn’t give him the elbow, it is slowly revealed down the line Paul’s laziness is perhaps to do with agoraphobia, making us sympathise more with him. And Lucy returns to demonstrate her understanding, even defending Paul in front of others despite all their issues.

As occurs throughout, Mind-set heads towards a conclusion that mixes the good and the bad. Whilst Paul receives positive news about a script he’s worked on, Lucy’s mental health deteriorates and she begins to lose her grip, becoming more vulnerable and exposed. It’s an emotional climax to their relationship, although I also had apprehension about whether it works or not. Either way, it certainly leaves the audience with a thoughtful and deliberately disconcerting event to take away with them.

Mind-set is best as it provides no easy answers. It showcases how relationships are incredibly complicated and nothing can be taken for granted. The cast are first-rate as they deliver multi-faceted performances to show how laughs appear alongside more sombre moments. And the director’s skilful handling of these two contradictory tones are a tremendously satisfying watch.

The feature shows two troubled yet loving souls trying to gain advantage over each other and more often themselves. With things not always appearing what they seem on the surface, it asks who are we to judge others and ends as a nourishing examination of people and the everyday struggles of mental health that plague many lives.

★★★★½

4.5 / 5

Michael Sales

Mind-Set is in select cinemas and on demand 6 October

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