This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 191! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey everyone,
So last night I watched a film that’s been on my list for ages: “Murderous Intent” (also known as “Like Minds” in some parts of the world), directed by Gregory Read. This 2006 Aussie/British flick is a slow burn that will have you questioning everything you think you know
The story revolves around Alex (played by a baby-faced Eddie Redmayne, way before his Newt Scamander days!), a brilliant but unsettling student at a posh British boarding school. When his classmate Nigel (the ever-charming Tom Sturridge) turns up dead, Alex becomes the prime suspect. But here’s the twist: forensic psychologist Sally Rowe (the phenomenal Toni Collette) isn’t convinced Alex is a killer in the traditional sense.
Instead, Sally delves into the complex relationship between Alex and Nigel. Their bond was intense, a mix of intellectual sparring and a disturbing codependency. As flashbacks unfold, we learn that Nigel might have been a psychopath, but not the Hollywood slasher kind. He’s more like a calculating puppet master, toying with emotions and manipulating situations for his own amusement Think less Jason Voorhees, more Hannibal Lecter with a schoolboy uniform.
The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker corners of the human psyche. It throws around terms like “Gestalt psychology” and gets into some pretty heady discussions about morality and the nature of good and evil.
The pacing is deliberate in this flick is deliberate, building a thick layer of suspense that had me practically glued to the screen. The performances are all top-notch, especially Collette. She brings a quiet strength to Sally, a woman determined to unravel the truth even when it gets uncomfortable. Redmayne is equally captivating, portraying Alex with a chilling intensity that’s both unsettling and strangely magnetic.
“Murderous Intent” isn’t for everyone. It’s a slow burn that demands your full attention, and the ending might leave you with more questions than answers. But for those who enjoy a good psychological puzzle, this film is a hidden gem. It’s the kind of film that’ll stay with you, making you ponder the complexities of the human mind and the blurry lines between sanity and madness.
So, if you’re in the mood for something dark, thought-provoking, and a little bit out there, give “Murderous Intent” a try. Just don’t blame me if you have some strange dreams afterward.
Catch you on the flip side,
Roger
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