This is such a complicated one. And I guess that is kind of the crux of this movie. It doesn't know what it supposed to be. It is not a movie movie about how the health care system fails mental patients. There are only two scenes about that otherwise it is never mentioned again. Is it not about mental illness either. We see mental illness but it is rather an attempt to show us what it looks like than dealing with it the rational of it. But I won't dare to call it a bad film because Juno Temple and Simon Pegg are absolutely out of this world great. Both in their performances and their chemistry with each other. Temple never ceases to amaze me anyway but I would say this is her best role and it is Peggs best as well. Watch it if you love amazing acting or love Temple and/or Pegg.
24 Reviews
Lacks impact.
Victor_Fallon10 June 2020
It begins well with Juno Temple playing an introverted creative who meets Simon Pegg, an extroverted producer. An interesting friendship begins and the audience is wondering if it will result in success, betrayal or failure. Nice.
She then quickly learns of his mental health problems and Pegg's character does a lightning-fast switcheroo into jumble of weak dialogue and fairly generic 'crazy talk'. This is not to say that people with mental health issues don't often share similar problems (hearing transmissions, grand conspiracy, etc.) but those problems seem to be indulged here for no particular reason. The rest of the movie languishes on his deterioration and we're not entirely sure why Juno's character is the one we're supposed to be following. It then dissolves into various critiques of health and public services, which Juno's character is often reduced to spectating.
The acting is fairly decent throughout, though Pegg feels miscast and struggles with some of the material. He's usually good at sincerity, but feels out of place here (and not in a thematic way).
Despite its agreeable message, it is a movie that lacks a strong story and treats its handful of characters far too gently.
She then quickly learns of his mental health problems and Pegg's character does a lightning-fast switcheroo into jumble of weak dialogue and fairly generic 'crazy talk'. This is not to say that people with mental health issues don't often share similar problems (hearing transmissions, grand conspiracy, etc.) but those problems seem to be indulged here for no particular reason. The rest of the movie languishes on his deterioration and we're not entirely sure why Juno's character is the one we're supposed to be following. It then dissolves into various critiques of health and public services, which Juno's character is often reduced to spectating.
The acting is fairly decent throughout, though Pegg feels miscast and struggles with some of the material. He's usually good at sincerity, but feels out of place here (and not in a thematic way).
Despite its agreeable message, it is a movie that lacks a strong story and treats its handful of characters far too gently.
Utter rubbish
Boristhemoggy12 May 2020
It does not show the failure to provide for people with mental illness, because that isn't discussed and we only see 2 references to it when he's in hospital.
The dialogue is garbage, it doesn't even make him look as if he has a metal illness it just makes him look stupid.
Simon Pegg was the wrong choice for this anyway as he simply has not got the acting range to carry a role like this off. Juno Temple was the only good thing in the film: she is always awesome in anything she does.
I gave it a 4 just for Juno Temple, nothing else in the film deserves a thing.
Heartbreaking
Gordon-1129 August 2020
Interesting but depressing
mike-c-b3 April 2020
Mostly real performances from Simon Pegg (acting as a scatter-brain with grand creativity). Juno Temple is the most realistic performer but slows the films pace to a crawl. Other actors range essentially play pirates.
If you're a happy, smart person in general you'd find it very hard to associate or connect with the film in any way.
If you're a happy, smart person in general you'd find it very hard to associate or connect with the film in any way.
Sympathetic attempt at making a serious movie about mental disorders.
imseeg27 May 2022
Simon Pegg in a serious role? Well, he aint bad. And Juno Temple of course is a great actress as well. But what we have here are 2 comedy actors, carrying a serious movie. That didnt work out to well.
The bad: lack of genuine, credible drama.
Not any good? It is a worthy and sympathetic attempt at telling a story about mental disorders, which isnt a very popular subject in the movie industry. Perhaps suited for educational viewing? But it isnt gripping or impressive enough that I would dare recommend it.
Better watch "One flew over the Cukoos nest" (1975) instead. That Jack Nicholson classic about mental disorders will blow your mind!
The bad: lack of genuine, credible drama.
Not any good? It is a worthy and sympathetic attempt at telling a story about mental disorders, which isnt a very popular subject in the movie industry. Perhaps suited for educational viewing? But it isnt gripping or impressive enough that I would dare recommend it.
Better watch "One flew over the Cukoos nest" (1975) instead. That Jack Nicholson classic about mental disorders will blow your mind!
Utterly slow mess
therealjaysmoke29 July 2020
I really wanted to like this, esp after seeing the beginning but then it just went on and on and became annoying. It made no sense whatsoever. Yeah sure Simon has a condition, but how he was able to get Juno intertwined in his messed up condition just didn't add up! Was it love, stupidity or pity? Whatever it was, it made me just hate her more for doing that to herself. Nothing of any real worth in here.
Way better than its average rating
maidwell-456164 April 2020
If you know anything about depression or psychosis you'll "get" this. Yes it's not subtle, or heartwarming or a redemption story but that's what makes it feel less Hollywood and more real.
Pegg gives a great performance and Juno does well with less showy material. Well worth a viewing 7/10
More Zombies, Shaun.
TwittingOnTrender15 July 2020
Normally reviewing a bad movie there's something to get your teeth into, examples of the inanity or sheer woefulness that you can chuckle about. With this though, there's nothing...it's a vapid, frustrating vacuum. There's simply nothing there. Things float briefly into sight...there's Juno Temple! There's Shaun of the Dead! Doesn't he look rough? A snotty Katy Perry style rock star drifts by...Shaun has voices in his head (mental illness, see?). Juno learns to sing a tearjerking song with the lights off because Shaun taught her to. That's it. I paid to stream this, and consider it a waste of money. Shaun and Juno have done far better work, and will again, but this is an aberration.
A mixed bag as it should be.
colinrogers12 December 2020
Simon Pegg is stretching his acting skills here and does a great job. It's a confusing, impact laden fire fight. Which is exactly what a schizophrenic episode is all about. It also does well in showing the love that his friends have. Mental illness like this cannot be objective as everyone's experience is different. Juno Temple does a very muted performance, so does really well as a depressive. You can feel she has so much more life. The drugs oppress that. Adam Driver would possibly have been better suited to the Pegg role but schiz and depression doesn't deal with cliches. It hits everyone. A very good film. Underestimated as it deals with irregular people. It's not a "sandwich" film. Well done to the director. She's nailed the mental illness aspect superbly. It's random remember. It just covers you in a sheet and you have to find that ray of light.
acting exercise
SnoopyStyle2 November 2020
Hannah (Juno Temple) is a struggling songwriter working as a receptionist. At a party, she is befriended by record producer Theo Ross (Simon Pegg) who starts working with her. He had stopped taking his pills and is soon suffering a mental breakdown.
Simon Pegg is allowed to stretch his acting legs but this movie needs to do more. First, it needs one more scene of their relationship outside of music at the beginning. In fact, it may work better if she's his daughter or a close relative. I can see her caring about him as a route to music success but this kind of emotional involvement needs more connectivity. The ending with the princess is oddly unreal. There is a scene that is staged in a weird way. I don't believe in it. I end up not liking the ending. This is more compelling as an acting exercise.
Simon Pegg is allowed to stretch his acting legs but this movie needs to do more. First, it needs one more scene of their relationship outside of music at the beginning. In fact, it may work better if she's his daughter or a close relative. I can see her caring about him as a route to music success but this kind of emotional involvement needs more connectivity. The ending with the princess is oddly unreal. There is a scene that is staged in a weird way. I don't believe in it. I end up not liking the ending. This is more compelling as an acting exercise.
A wake-up call. Realistic, raw, heartbreaking
andreastefanci17 December 2019
Hats off to Katharine for her directorial debut. She did a great job portraying someone with mental illness. The truth is heart breaking and painful to watch. It's moving and upsetting. Great film to raise awareness about mental illness, something that should become a casual topic yet there still is stigma about it. It was nice to see Simon Pegg in a modest and serious role. He was authentic and accurate. Juno Temple was captivating. Her vulnerability and internal life are beautiful to watch.
If you have ever tried to help a friend/ family with schizophrenia...
tinidrilcharon19 July 2020
....then you will relate to this. Shown from the point of view of a woman watching her friend spiral down the cycle of schizophrenia. Juno Temple does an amazing job at showing her confusion at first, then the different stages of trying to get him the help he needs, and sometimes wanting to give up.
Simon Pegg really stands out in this movie, he captures the art of portraying the thoughts that inevitably lead a schizophrenic to going off their meds (anosognosia), the charm they display to make you think it's alright (they can be so damned convincing) and then the absolute random outbursts of hate, violence and/or rambling.
It isn't the most quickpaced movie, but it is a great story. It is hard to fit the entire dimensions of what a relationship with this particular mental illness is like into a movie, but it is definitely a glimpse. And they only touched on it a little, but it is enough to show that there are severe problems in the mental health department in the US. Anyone with a sense of empathy will take something away from this movie.
It is worth noting that the timeline of this can be hard to follow. And it might seem like he is 'suddenly crazy', where in actuality a fair amount of time has passed.
I am however, disappointed that they felt the need to put Alexandra Daddario so much in the forefront. Don't get me wrong, I like her and she did a good job. But her character was not that important. Certainly not enough to put her on the cover. And the confusion of their choice to push her as such a main character in advertising, was distracting.
Summary; A hard story to tell but it is done well by all actors involved. If you like that sort of thing, give it a watch!
Simon Pegg really stands out in this movie, he captures the art of portraying the thoughts that inevitably lead a schizophrenic to going off their meds (anosognosia), the charm they display to make you think it's alright (they can be so damned convincing) and then the absolute random outbursts of hate, violence and/or rambling.
It isn't the most quickpaced movie, but it is a great story. It is hard to fit the entire dimensions of what a relationship with this particular mental illness is like into a movie, but it is definitely a glimpse. And they only touched on it a little, but it is enough to show that there are severe problems in the mental health department in the US. Anyone with a sense of empathy will take something away from this movie.
It is worth noting that the timeline of this can be hard to follow. And it might seem like he is 'suddenly crazy', where in actuality a fair amount of time has passed.
I am however, disappointed that they felt the need to put Alexandra Daddario so much in the forefront. Don't get me wrong, I like her and she did a good job. But her character was not that important. Certainly not enough to put her on the cover. And the confusion of their choice to push her as such a main character in advertising, was distracting.
Summary; A hard story to tell but it is done well by all actors involved. If you like that sort of thing, give it a watch!
Love Pegg
ricksantistevanrs10 December 2020
Not overly keen on this!
bazookamouth-221-89809717 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I only watched because of Juno Temple otherwise I would not have bothered. So it starts with Juno who is working a boring desk job who then gets introduced to a small time record producer (Simon Pegg) who helps her kick start her music career and for the first 15 mins its promising as a foundation. Then the story changes where Simon's character gets off his medication for Schizophrenia and the rest of the movie is about mental health. It didnt start off about that and neither were you eased into it. The music plot quickly become secondary to the story, even at times irrevelant. In fact the whole of Juno storyline after 15mins becomes exclusively about Simon's character and she just becomes a passenger in the movie and she doesn't have much impact on anything thats happens and whatever she does doesn't matter as Simon is off on his own journey doing his own thing. Eventually we arrive at the end and nothing anyone did really mattered in the movie.
Simon Pegg's on meds persona was believable but his off meds persona I didn't believe and maybe that was above an actor of his calibre as he is seen as a comedy actor and something about his behaviour came across as forced stupid. Sometimes you have wonder why exactly Simon becomes Juno's probelm though and the validity of their connection because in the movie she hasn't known him that long. I didn't get why she was so invested in particular when he is off meds and his behaviour. You would run a mile whether he helped her or not. They were not in a relationship or related. All in all I would avoid this.
Simon Pegg's on meds persona was believable but his off meds persona I didn't believe and maybe that was above an actor of his calibre as he is seen as a comedy actor and something about his behaviour came across as forced stupid. Sometimes you have wonder why exactly Simon becomes Juno's probelm though and the validity of their connection because in the movie she hasn't known him that long. I didn't get why she was so invested in particular when he is off meds and his behaviour. You would run a mile whether he helped her or not. They were not in a relationship or related. All in all I would avoid this.
Losing the transmissions.
morrison-dylan-fan9 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Leaving the great Art of the Brick, (over 100 works of art,made of Lego!)I by chance found a leaflet for the Manchester International Film Festival. Viewing the line-up,I was excited that the film maker of this A-List cast title was doing a Q&A afterwards, leading to me searching for the transmissions.
View on the film:
Detailing in the 40 minute Q&A with Simon Pegg, (who due to filming of the latest Mission Impossible in Venice being delayed,could attend here) that Theo's battle with schizophrenia is based on what a close friend has faced, writer/director Katharine O'Brien makes her feature film debut with a up-close intimate atmosphere tuning into the most difficult aspects of Theo's condition.
Closely working with cinematographer Arnau Valls Colomer, O'Brien trims away wide establishing shots, instead weaving stylish, jagged dissolves cleverly placing the viewer in the mind-set of Theo's condition not allowing for any room of establishment before being shown at it's most serve.
Inspired by her musician friends struggle with schizophrenia, the screenplay by O'Brien plays fantastic low-key notes to the relationship between Hannah and Theo, as the shyness which holds her in the recording studio, is broken by her speaking up to support Theo, whose warmth towards Hannah and his music production talents are delicately held with the worst destabilising cases of schizophrenia.
Finding her own voice in the friendship with Theo, Juno Temple gives a wonderful expressive turn as Hannah, whose fragile view of herself in song writing, is hardened by Temple from Hannah finding strength to speak out and support Theo, whilst Alexandra Daddario sparkles as charismatic singer Dana Lee trying with Hannah to reach the hit song note.
Although he has treated his past Comedy characters seriously, Simon Pegg gives a superb debut "serious" performance as Theo, whose condition Pegg maturely presents as a destabilising weight, leaving the glimpse of his music talents, to play out into lost transmissions.
View on the film:
Detailing in the 40 minute Q&A with Simon Pegg, (who due to filming of the latest Mission Impossible in Venice being delayed,could attend here) that Theo's battle with schizophrenia is based on what a close friend has faced, writer/director Katharine O'Brien makes her feature film debut with a up-close intimate atmosphere tuning into the most difficult aspects of Theo's condition.
Closely working with cinematographer Arnau Valls Colomer, O'Brien trims away wide establishing shots, instead weaving stylish, jagged dissolves cleverly placing the viewer in the mind-set of Theo's condition not allowing for any room of establishment before being shown at it's most serve.
Inspired by her musician friends struggle with schizophrenia, the screenplay by O'Brien plays fantastic low-key notes to the relationship between Hannah and Theo, as the shyness which holds her in the recording studio, is broken by her speaking up to support Theo, whose warmth towards Hannah and his music production talents are delicately held with the worst destabilising cases of schizophrenia.
Finding her own voice in the friendship with Theo, Juno Temple gives a wonderful expressive turn as Hannah, whose fragile view of herself in song writing, is hardened by Temple from Hannah finding strength to speak out and support Theo, whilst Alexandra Daddario sparkles as charismatic singer Dana Lee trying with Hannah to reach the hit song note.
Although he has treated his past Comedy characters seriously, Simon Pegg gives a superb debut "serious" performance as Theo, whose condition Pegg maturely presents as a destabilising weight, leaving the glimpse of his music talents, to play out into lost transmissions.
Underrated Film
impaigeypoo29 December 2020
If I'm being honest, I had low expectations seeing this movie. I only really watched it because I'm a huge Simon pegg fan, even though the premise was interesting. Oh my God, words cannot describe how in love I am with this movie. I can't explain too much because I don't want to spoil, but the way depression and schizophrenia are portrayed is incredible. One of my close friends (with schizophrenia) who also watched this movie was amazed with how accurate Pegg played the role. The ending left me feeling empty and somehow emotional at the same time. It was heartbreaking for me seeing this movie unfold, and I believe you should absolutely give this movie a try. Theres no harm, and you may like it. :)
A true look inside mental illness
gillestijmes11 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Drawing inspiration from Czech and other Eastern European films, 'Lost Transmissions' is a reaction to the flaws in the bureacracy surrounding mental health. The film tackles the difficulties of a '5150', which keeps certain individuals from getting the medical care that they, without even realizing it, are in desperate need of.
Films about mental health are a hit or miss. Even if they manage to be executed well there's a fair amount of reasons to do it. 'Lost Transmissions' has decided to go for a true to life experience, with long shots and silences that seem to carry a lot of untold weight in it. The shots are a bit rough around the edges and gritty, not for lack of thought but for a more bare experience. Despite the longer shots the pacing of the film is a pleasure, with some more attention and pauses at exactly the right moments.
Pegg as Theo Ross is an excellent choice: much as the likes of acting giants such as Robin Williams, Pegg manages to effectively blur the lines between comedy and drama. Where he previously has showed his potential of playing a 'funny' character with mental health problems in 'The World's End', 'Lost Transmissions' allows him to prove himself even more as an actor in this department. The moments of comedy are bittersweet due to the schizophrenic nature of the character, but allow the viewer to connect with the likeable but troubled person.
Temple's role is much more subdued: Hannah is the anchor in the film that grounds it into reality. Where Theo goes off the rails once he stops taking his medication, Temple's character faces the numbness that antidepressants make her experience. Temple and Pegg have a genuine connection that show in Theo and Hannah, both in the happy moments (such as almost candid dialogue over Chinese food) and in the sadder moments further along the story.
All in all 'Lost Transmissions' has approached the story with the respect it deserves, which in part is mostly due to the experiences and research the makers have put into getting it right.
Films about mental health are a hit or miss. Even if they manage to be executed well there's a fair amount of reasons to do it. 'Lost Transmissions' has decided to go for a true to life experience, with long shots and silences that seem to carry a lot of untold weight in it. The shots are a bit rough around the edges and gritty, not for lack of thought but for a more bare experience. Despite the longer shots the pacing of the film is a pleasure, with some more attention and pauses at exactly the right moments.
Pegg as Theo Ross is an excellent choice: much as the likes of acting giants such as Robin Williams, Pegg manages to effectively blur the lines between comedy and drama. Where he previously has showed his potential of playing a 'funny' character with mental health problems in 'The World's End', 'Lost Transmissions' allows him to prove himself even more as an actor in this department. The moments of comedy are bittersweet due to the schizophrenic nature of the character, but allow the viewer to connect with the likeable but troubled person.
Temple's role is much more subdued: Hannah is the anchor in the film that grounds it into reality. Where Theo goes off the rails once he stops taking his medication, Temple's character faces the numbness that antidepressants make her experience. Temple and Pegg have a genuine connection that show in Theo and Hannah, both in the happy moments (such as almost candid dialogue over Chinese food) and in the sadder moments further along the story.
All in all 'Lost Transmissions' has approached the story with the respect it deserves, which in part is mostly due to the experiences and research the makers have put into getting it right.
A heart-wrenching and gutting journey
thejunkofalifetime15 March 2020
This vulnerable and raw story tugged at my heartstrings and brought me to tears as I sat alone in the theater at the LA premiere. The performances were extraordinary, and Katharine's direction brought the story to life beautifully, making me laugh at some moments and weep at others. This role was absolutely made for Simon Pegg; it brought out the intricacy and intimacy of his acting in a jaw-dropping way, and Juno Temple met him head-on with no difficulty. A beautiful and eye-opening journey that portrays mental illness in a true and uncompromising way few films manage to do.
Captivating and thought provoking work.
summerrej16 March 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed Lost Transmissions. Intense subject matter beautifully displayed on screen. Excellent cast and crew, strong script, great pacing - an all around impeccable production. I look forward to seeing future work from this team!
magic from beginning to end
missstephaniewilliams16 March 2020
A cinematic gem that deserves more recognition
peterkara10 March 2024
I watched this film months ago, and I still think about it almost every day.
It is a heartfelt exploration of mental health that is both sensitive and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on a topic so often misunderstood. A truly bold and innovative piece that challenges the viewer to think and feel deeply.
The performances are heartfelt and genuine. Simon Pegg's role showcases a different side of his acting prowess, proving that he is capable of delivering a powerful performance beyond his usual realm of comedy.
But for me it's Juno Temple's performance that is the real standout, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with the complexities of helping a friend navigate mental illness. Her character's struggle is depicted with sensitivity and depth, offering a unique perspective on mental health that is often overlooked - the struggle of the helper.
Katharine O'Brien's directorial style is both stylishly innovative and empathetic, offering a fresh perspective on mental health through a lens that is both realistic and deeply human. This debut is a testament to her talent as a filmmaker and shows a real commitment to shedding light on important social issues.
It is a heartfelt exploration of mental health that is both sensitive and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on a topic so often misunderstood. A truly bold and innovative piece that challenges the viewer to think and feel deeply.
The performances are heartfelt and genuine. Simon Pegg's role showcases a different side of his acting prowess, proving that he is capable of delivering a powerful performance beyond his usual realm of comedy.
But for me it's Juno Temple's performance that is the real standout, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with the complexities of helping a friend navigate mental illness. Her character's struggle is depicted with sensitivity and depth, offering a unique perspective on mental health that is often overlooked - the struggle of the helper.
Katharine O'Brien's directorial style is both stylishly innovative and empathetic, offering a fresh perspective on mental health through a lens that is both realistic and deeply human. This debut is a testament to her talent as a filmmaker and shows a real commitment to shedding light on important social issues.
Beautiful Movie
millsrebecca-6598116 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly this movie is incredible. The music is beautiful, I mean I was not expecting to love Juno Temple and Simon Peggs singing voices, Juno's voice was so otherworldly. The cinematography was so simple and yet beautiful also, I felt like I was on the journey with Theo trying to find his Princess of Time. Speaking of Simon Pegg, I have given this movie such a high score because of him. I love Simon Pegg for his comedic roles like the cornetto trilogy, Paul, Run Fatboy Run, Star Trek and Mission Impossible, but this role, I am blown away by his performance. When I read the synopsis for the film I was a bit sceptical I won't lie because I am so used to seeing Pegg play such funny characters, but he took this part so seriously, I was emotionally invested for him to be ok and happy and well again. His schizophrenia was so believable and I felt for him every single moment that I wanted to jump through the screen and hug him.
It's just a beautiful film, I am lost for words even though I wrote a paragraph on why I love this movie. I would have more to say but I am still processing it. Simon Pegg is a star.
It's just a beautiful film, I am lost for words even though I wrote a paragraph on why I love this movie. I would have more to say but I am still processing it. Simon Pegg is a star.
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