ClearMind

This movie subverted my expectations because it didn't have a lot of the faults I associate with modern low-budget cinema. It was competently filmed and edited. The actors were well directed. They spoke to each other naturally and at times it felt like watching real people. So what's the problem then? Well, I don't want to give spoilers but let's just say that for a viewer to be invested in a film the viewer has to feel like they are watching something that approximates reality. OR if one is watching something that is supposed to be fantasy, one at least has to have a grasp of the rules that apply to that fantastical universe. Otherwise it would be a free for all, right? Anything can happen. Nothing means anything. Does anyone every really want to sit and hear a detailed account of someone else's dream? Probably not... but why? I would argue because there aren't any stakes involved. If your best friend show up at your door and says "A guy just tried to kill me." your reaction is going to be very different than if he/she says "Last night I dreamed that a guy tried to kill me." It is for that reason that I argue that this movie was dead in the water (heh heh) from concept. There is smart writing, funny writing and scary writing in this movie but the fabric that holds it all together is a massive dud. You can try to flesh out realistic characters with unique backstories all day long but if the promised entertaining events that happen to them don't make sense... can't make sense... DON'T HAVE ANY MEANINGFUL STAKES WHATSOEVER... well, you get it. It's an unfortunate dud.

I totally enjoyed this movie as it was different then most of the horror comedy coming out lately in the last few years. Writing is fun and the acting is great from some familiar faces you've seen across streamers over the years. The lead played by Rebecca Crescoff was amazing in that HBO show Hung, if anyone remembers that. Here she is a totally different character with a dark side of sadness. Or whats his face Kadeem from A Different World and the short lived Moonhaven is also funny, married to a pill of a women. All these character interactions created by the writer present like a play, letting the characters relationships development like a dramady, saving the action and the light-twist for Act 3 - instead of the more popular horror comedys that play out in a typical fashion.

Worth the watch!

Just peeped this indie gem that's off the charts! It's a comedic thriller with horror and drama vibes, and let me tell you, it's a real standout. The writing and directing are next-level, especially considering they probably pulled it off on a shoestring budget. The characters feel straight outta real life, brought to life by a great cast, with some familiar faces in the mix. I was fully locked in by the characters and the plot - had me on the edge 'til the end. Major props to this film - I REALLY liked it! They save the action and the twist for Act 3, breakin' the mold from the usual horror comedy routine. If you're down for a movie that makes you think, this one's a go to watch.

I was sitting in my bedroom, laptop on my lap, wondering what I could find to watch on YouTube. Checked out some shorts, craft ideas, etc. And then Clearmind popped up. The artwork for the movie was pretty cool, so before I looked anything up for reviews, I would give it a shot. Well it is a very slow going movie, the action scenes leave you "ho-humming" and the acting was not necessarily bad, but definitely needed upgrading in some spots. The main issue besides all of that was the fact that within the first 15 minutes of the movie, I completely configured the plot and the ending, and that is one of the things I hate when I watch something new like this. At that point I had to force myself to watch it, just to make sure I was right. I recommend you to go to YouTube to watch it, since it is free and you don't need the premium account or anything. Your best bet is when it is rainy outside, all the chores are done and you have nothing else to do, check it out. You may not make it through the whole thing before clicking on a craft idea or one of the shorts. Good Luck.

Conceptually, while this was certainly interesting, it wasn't anything that felt wildly original or like something you haven't seen some sort of iteration of before. Logistically it also didn't feel like it had that much effort towards validity backing it and definitely requires you to not have a really critical eye, accept suspension of disbelief and don't ask too many questions.

This was more of a long winded drama with horror/thriller/comedy aspects that largely addressed trauma grief and healing. While the themes were loud and clear, I don't know if the actual message was. It gave off very "this is a movie with a message " vibes, but felt a little aloof and noncommittal when it came to actually giving us something.

I will say I was never bored while watching this and I think that is mainly due to the acting and a decent script. The casting director killed it on this one. Everyone gave very good and natural performances that kept me engaged. I particularly enjoyed the lead woman and her blonde friend. I almost wished the majority of the movie was consolidated to the first half and it kept going for a bit where the movie actually ended.

Regardless I think it was successful as is. I do think it was missing a little meat... a little substance to the story and plot but it was still entertaining. Would recommend.