The movie spends a lot of time establishing the central characters of Lena and Sara. The exposition feels even longer than it actually is as we get a rather complete image of their substantial personal difficulties: marital, financial, professional, social, and otherwise. To the credit of stars Kristina Ellery and Erica Jenkins, they make the two women believable and sympathetic with natural, unembellished performances; it quite feels as though we could be watching a non-fiction story play out. Though less prevalent, this is true as well for other cast members like Scott Evans, charming and supportive as Greg; Tony Denman, troubled and beleaguered as Jarrod; and David Keith, in a small, warm role as Lena's father. Factor in a low-key tone - cemented with a minimized and sparing score - and a narrative that's more of a portrait than a tale, and 'Madhouse Mecca' really feels like a slice of life.
With that slant in mind, the screenplay conjured between director Leonardo Warner and co-writer Owen Palmiotti is oddly endearing and absorbing. Every passing moment carries a strong sense of earnestness and authenticity as troubles lead to a chance meeting, and a subsequent friendship puts lives on a collision course. For all the drama at play, and a couple particularly invigorating scenes, there's not really a crescendo. For all the scenes set at the strip club, we don't see any gratuitous nudity (no especial nudity at all, in fact), and in a refreshing change from a common trope, the club is depicted not as a seedy den of iniquity, but as a place for women to work, feel empowered, and join a found family. For as much as early plot development sets up a profound spark between Lena and Sara, that spark is given its due and nothing more, with favor for the plainspoken, uncomplicated profile of two women at an instant in time that the feature has been building from the start.
All told, technical aspects of 'Madhouse Mecca' are very suitable, and details like hair, makeup, and costume design are on point. But these aren't terribly important in a movie that is so concretely about its characters more than anything else. It's quiet, subdued, and unbothered by conventional storytelling notions like excitement, suspense, thrills. We get definite tension, but only as a reflection of the personal and interpersonal turmoil experienced by the characters, and portrayed so flawlessly by the cast. Suffice to say that any viewer looking for a popcorn flick should look elsewhere; this is a picture for those who are receptive to the most painstakingly downplayed, unmoved features. And with that caveat noted, anyone open to the type of film 'Madhouse Mecca' represents will surely find it entrancing, satisfying - and even rewarding. This is unquestionably made for a niche audience, but with that focus comes a fantastic movie-going experience. Highly recommended!
