A Thoughtful Review of ‘Mouse’: Sophie Okonedo and Katherine Mallen-Kupferer Shine in This Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Drama from the ‘Ghostlight’ Filmmakers at the Berlin Film Festival
The upcoming indie film Mouse, directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan, is poised to make waves at the Berlin Film Festival, where it will premiere in the Panorama section on Friday. Following the success of their previous film, Ghostlight, this latest effort showcases the filmmakers’ evolution and solidifies their status as key talents in Chicago’s regional cinema.
Originally written by O’Sullivan before Ghostlight, Mouse was intended to follow the acclaimed Saint Frances. However, the pandemic delayed its progress. The film explores themes of loss and grief within a theatrical backdrop, paralleling some motifs from Ghostlight. It tells the story of a young girl grappling with the sudden loss of her best friend and embarking on a journey of self-discovery during her senior year of high school.
Set in North Little Rock, Arkansas, in May 2002, Mouse features Katherine Mallen-Kupferer as Minnie, a high school junior excited about summer and her upcoming senior year. She has long been inseparable from her vibrant friend Callie (Chloe Coleman), whose drama talent contrasts with Minnie’s more reserved nature. The narrative takes a tragic turn with Callie’s unexpected death, forcing Minnie and Callie’s mother, Helen (Sophie Okonedo), to navigate their grief and support one another amid their shared loss.
Minnie faces struggles during Callie’s memorial service, where the popular students claim Callie as their best friend, leaving her feeling even more isolated. However, solace comes in an unexpected friendship with Kat (Iman Vellani), who understands Minnie’s pain. When a talent show is proposed to honor Callie, Minnie, with Helen’s encouragement, resolves to perform a song that Callie loved.
The film authentically captures the essence of a Southern suburban town, evoking the bittersweet nature of growing up and the quest for identity overshadowed by a stronger personality. It poignantly addresses the journey of finding oneself through friendship during challenging times.
Mallen-Kupferer’s performance is notable, delivering a heart-wrenching portrayal of a girl in search of her identity. Okonedo, too, achieves a remarkable depth as a grieving mother reclaiming her purpose through her daughter’s friendship. The film features strong supporting performances, including Beck Nolan as Callie’s confused boyfriend and David Hyde Pierce as a sympathetic drama teacher.
The dynamic between Mallen-Kupferer’s character and her mother strikes a deep chord, particularly in scenes highlighting their struggles. Though Coleman appears briefly, her impactful presence resonates throughout the film, shaping its emotional core.
Overall, Mouse offers a humane and enriching cinematic experience. As it makes its festival debut, the hope is for it to find a distributor that will nurture its potential and bring the story to a wider audience.
Title: Mouse
Festival: Berlin Film Festival – Panorama
Directors: Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan
Screenwriter: Kelly O’Sullivan
Cast: Katherine Mallen-Kupferer, Sophie Okonedo, Tara Mallen, Chloe Coleman, Iman Vellani, David Hyde Pierce, Beck Nolan, Audrey Grace Marshall, Addisyn Cain, Christopher R. Ellis
Sales agent: Gersh
Running time: 2 hrs
