ClearMind (2024) User Reviews

Clear mind, vengeful spirit

[Howling_at_the_Moon_Reviews · 5/10 · 26 January 2024]

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.

Not smart enough, not funny enough, not scary enough...

[eternitycomplex · 3/10 · 4 February 2024]

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.

Skip this one...

[kkulcsar · 1/10 · 3 February 2024]

I think if the actors had a better script to work with, it could have been a semi-watchable film, but dear lord....the characters are unrealistic and unrelatable, the concept is bizarre, there is way too much dialogue -- you can say so much more with so much less. Not a single couple had enough chemistry to make the audience even remotely believe that they had known each other longer than the films production time. It is beyond difficult to get invested in any of these characters except the poor kid who dies at the start of the film.

Two of the three viewers in my household fell asleep in the first five minutes and even though I stuck around for at least the first hour, I regretted every minute of my life that I wasted watching it. Two very big thumbs down.

Boring

[huapengqi · 1/10 · 19 January 2024]

Clear mind is a boring, flat and nothingburger filled with trivial conversations and absence of humor or action from start to finish. The story, badly butchered by Seana Kofed presents painfully boring characters and a n even more boring story that never grabs your interest. The acting is boring across the board as well as the cinematography, editing and music... no production value here. Despite of the setting in an idyllic lake front property, it is still boring. Clearmind is the pinnacle of boring and kept me on my bored with its slow pace and boring characters... I regret this encounter with Seana Kofed and team's creation. Dont watch !

STAY CLEAR OF THIS FILM Dull!!!!

[deconvertedman · 1/10 · 5 February 2024]

A boring, dull, witless waste of time, energy and money spent to make this. "VR" isn't really even used in a creative way, the kills are dull, the drama is empty. Just stay CLEAR of this movie in full, skip it. Its not fun. Its nothing but dead and dull. YAWN.

What else can be said? This is just no fun to watch, no scares, no thrill, no anything. Watch a bunch of people argue with each other, you get better drama from a reality tv show then this rot.

DULL CITY SNOOZE VILE.

The cabin is pretty I guess. Thats about it although we only see like two rooms. No one sleeps or makes out, just a dull film.

Change your mindset

[lindseyebranch · 7/10 · 27 March 2024]

I decided to watch this movie on the plane. Before my flight, I had never even heard of it. I thought the writing/acting was actually quite funny. Although slightly unrealistic, I did like the concept. I think the people that gave this movie terrible ratings may have been expecting something different. The fact that I went in with zero expectations helped me to enjoy the movie. You can definitely tell this movie was of lower budget but everything was done extremely well. If you are going to watch this movie go in like me, with zero expectations and a clean slate. Don't think of this movie as anything more than a dark comedy.

Terrific Indie Film

[craigahrens · 9/10 · 21 February 2024]

This was such a good film! It was a good film for me on multiple levels. I really enjoyed the actors. I thought they were all quite good and compelling. Rebecca Creskoff was outstanding as Nora. I really enjoyed her performance. Rob Benedict was also quite good as Michael. These two were very entertaining throughout the film. The story was written by Seana Kofoed and it is terrific. I think it's a surprisingly solid mix of comedy, blended with some horror, coupled with drama and some thriller thrown in there to round things out. I thought the film moved along at a good pace. My interest was held throughout. I didn't find myself consistently checking messages on my iPhone, lol. So for me, this film most definitely gets a thumbs up!

Seamlessly blending suspense and humor from start to finish.

[hildaarani · 8/10 · 10 February 2024]

"Clear Mind" is an exhilarating and enjoyable cinematic experience, seamlessly blending suspense and humor from start to finish. The story introduces a cast of delightful characters in a story that strikes the perfect balance between engagement and relatability, never taking itself too seriously. The stellar performances, coupled with impressive cinematography, seamless editing, and a captivating musical score, contribute to the film's overall excellence. "Clear Mind" kept me on the edge of my seat with its fast-paced plot and entertaining characters. I give it two thumbs up and recommend you give it a watch.

Entertaining Friends in Woods Premise

[SGarrett49612 · 9/10 · 12 February 2024]

A group of adult friends meets at a remote cabin on a lake while one of them processes the loss of her daughter. That mother and her husband are now estranged. There is very much a "Big Chill" vibe to the characters and setting of this story. But despite the humorous dialogue, this is ultimately a creepy, contained thriller. The VR aspects don't overshadow the main storyline. Director Rebecca Eskreis and writer Seana Kofoed navigate an interesting narrative line from start to finish. There is limited but cool tech. Nice cinematography; love the use of the zoom lens. Definitely check this one out.

Well Done Indie Thriller

[baccaruda1 · 8/10 · 4 February 2024]

As a connoisseur of indie films, I am often disappointed with the overall quality of many projects. However, this excellent film surprised me on multiple levels. The performances and direction are very good, the acting is professional, and the overall production clearly placed a premium on every technical aspect, with good sound and vivid imagery. The story itself is also compelling. Being able to cope with devastating loss through the use of virtual reality is an intriguing subject. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind " investigated this concept on an entirely different level, as it was a film about romantic loss. This one is about loss, yes, but the loss of a child, and a hi-tech way of dealing with trauma. It would be difficult for any human to predetermine how they would behave in such a situation, and in this film, virtual reality is utilized to exact revenge on those perceived to have contributed to a child's death. While watching this film, it was often difficult to determine what was real real, and what wasn't, adding to the intrigue. I also enjoyed the twist at the end. Overall, a recommended watch from me!

emotional revenge!

[travisgrenke · 9/10 · 18 February 2024]

Emotional revenge- this movie had it! This movie had a very unique storyline and also great scenes from the talented cast. The storyline and plot were unique, mysterious, engaging for me and I also like the colorful cinematography and camera shots. I notice stuff like that. I thought the performances by the talented cast were notable and the cast kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The movie poster was also really cool and caught my attention to watch this movie. I like technology in movies and i like what the director did with this one. I think I'll be paying attention to their next movie. Cool movie.

Major props to this film - I REALLY liked it!

[fredunderland · 8/10 · 5 February 2024]

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.

Innovative Dark Comedy

[sugarparksmusic · 9/10 · 5 February 2024]

I was immediately drawn into this story with the onset of emotionally grabbing drama and innovative psychological-sci-fi. Also, the overall cast was phenomenal with stellar performances as they tackled comedy and drama at the same time. As I watched this film, eager to see how everything played out, I saw how it was very much a dark comedy and enjoyed that aspect of it. There were also some suspense, thrills, and twists. What a ride! There were some scenes with heavy dialogue as we got to know some of the characters, but a majority of the film was grabbing and entertaining. I recommend this film to people who like dark comedies, psychological thrillers, and Sci-Fi related to psychology.

So wonderfully wrong

[directortim2012 · 9/10 · 3 February 2024]

This is an excellent, indie gem of a movie. A wonderful comedic thriller, with bits of horror and drama to boot. One of the reasons I can so strongly recommend it, is it was so well written and directed. Especially for a film that I assume was done on a tight budget. Hey, Saltburn can be fun at times. But this movie, made for millions less, holds me much better. And I laughed more at this, too. You feel as if all the characters are pulled from real life. And they're all brought to life by a terrific cast, some of whom you'll recognize. I was just thoroughly engaged by the characters and plot, which held me to the end. Really, REALLY liked this film!

Clever writing and good production for a low budget indie!

[PBDogs · 8/10 · 4 February 2024]

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!

Clever drama about the mind

[abbystone-87170 · 9/10 · 5 February 2024]

What would you do if you could live thoughts of revenge through VR? Can Virtual reality heal trauma? These are questions that this indie gem asks and answers quite well. What makes all this work is the clever writing, the clear direction and the amazing performances that the actors give, especially Rebecca Creskoff.

Also, the concept itself is pretty awesome. Get all your friends together at a cabin and grab an axe! Is it real or is it just a game? Are the loss and the grief real?

I also enjoyed that it's a mix match of genres, it's funny but it's also dramatic, it's a thriller but it's also a sci fi. If you want a movie that challenges you, give this one a go.

When a horrible event happens amongst a group of friends who do you blame? And should that take on the qualities of revenge?

[sallycoffeecup · 10/10 · 9 April 2024]

"ClearMind" is a captivating blend of comedy and thriller, masterfully toeing the line between the two genres. What sets this independent gem apart is its ability to continuously surprise the audience, defying predictability at every turn.

The characters, though undeniably quirky, ring true to life, each embodying familiar archetypes found within any friend circle. With the infusion of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, the film becomes a reflection of our modern era, exploring how individuals navigate trauma amidst rapidly advancing technology.

While the approach may not offer real-life solutions, it certainly makes for compelling entertainment as we witness the chaos that ensues when things inevitably go awry.

One aspect that truly elevates "ClearMind" is its impeccable editing. The brisk pace never sacrifices clarity, thanks to clever techniques that manipulate perception of time. Kudos to the editor for seamlessly weaving together a narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

In a sea of cinematic choices, "ClearMind" deserves a spot at the top of your watchlist. Don't miss out on this exhilarating journey that challenges expectations and leaves a lasting impression.

A fun tale of emotional revenge

[photo-859-401631 · 9/10 · 6 February 2024]

A tragedy occurs and the main character's repressed emotions are given free rein to express themselves in a simulated setting. It's a great premise and this film delivers both tension and comedy. Rebecca Creskoff plays Nora, the lead character, who suffers a tragedy and her feelings of hopelessness and anger are unleashed upon her cohort of friends and ex-husband present at the event. It's a strong performance by Creskoff as she shows both her character's sublimated emotions and her relief in letting it all go in a frenzy of cathartic violence. The entire cast is strong as they walk the fine line between the dramatic and the comedic. The screenplay is full of witty one-liners that captures the familiar banter of friends who have know each other since childhood. There is a lot of character build-up, somewhat at the expense of the main action, but once the revenge starts there are surprises along the way that hit harder because we have a deeper understanding of the characters and their relationships with each other. The strong direction by Rebecca Eskreis is concise, giving the characters room to reveal their personalities while building the tension at unexpected moments. There's a great recurring motif regarding hunters that also builds the tension while offering some of the best comedic lines. Laughs and catharsis, this film delivers both.

A fun, entertaining and wild ride...

[undergroundprods · 9/10 · 14 January 2024]

Clear mind is a fun, entertaining and wild ride filled with suspense and humor from start to finish. The story, well crafted by Seana Kofed showcases enjoyable characters and an engaging and relatable story that never takes it self too seriously. The acting is strong across the board as well as the cinematography, editing and music... great production value here. Not to mention it is set in an idyllic lake front property (which I'd love to visit). Clearmind is enjoyable and kept me on my toes with its rapid pace and amusing characters... I look forward to more from Seana Kofed and team in the future. A great watch !

Cleaver, Witty, Fast paced. Really enjoyed.

[barbandjames · 10/10 · 27 January 2024]

My wife and I choose ClearMind because the premise seemed very cool and original. And it was - starting with a tragedy that is every parents nightmare and can connect with, the film tackles a difficult subject in a unique way and very quickly gets into the heart of the story - how to deal with tragedy. The concept of ClearMind - where "memory is the enemy" is so well played out (and as a professional addictions counsellor, my wife found this line so very true) and using Virtual Reality as a form of therapy (I mean, who hasn't had thoughts of revenge) is not only fun to watch play out, but also is becoming a real-world reality as a therapeutic tool. Although I wasn't sure what to expect at first, I am glad we watched. As a fan of camp-horror, I thought this was a cleaver adult version of those films - but was not gory and did not use excessive violence, but had the right amount of visuals and created a sense of tension so we knew what was happening while also still needing to use our imagination. The pace was fast and the dialogue so witty, cleaver and fitting for each unique character - who were very fun to watch - every one was different but went so well together. Overall, this film was a really enjoyable film to watch - the cinematography was great, the quality very good and acting exceptional. I also really liked how the film closes with... what will she do in the real world now. Before I knew it, the movie was done and there was no lull - the pacing was just really well done. Anyway, highly recommend.