Mope (2019) User Reviews

Raw and Seedy World, Spun Up Compellingly by a Promising Director

[TwistedContent · 6/10 · 16 June 2020]

Today out came a strangely compelling oddball, something raw, filthy, bleak, for some perhaps even repulsive, but on the flipside the filth actually has a heart, and style. I had no clue of what "mope" meant in the porn industry, but now I know, and not only that, also the true and seedy story behind "Mope" - a story the film stays quite true to, bringing to screen one of the possibly most grounded and pragmatic depictions of adult film industry.

"Mope" introduces us to the tragic story of Steve Driver and Tom Dong, two low-end porn actors that become best friends, and together seek opportunities and reach for fame, only to achieve infamy. Taking place in a physically and mentally seedy and otherwise deviant slice of this world, "Mope" feels confident and assuring within the confines of it. It's not an adult film though, in a sense that, despite being set in such universe, "Mope" is not an overly explicit flick. Having said that, it's not a movie to have somebody walk in on without proper context.

Steven is an enthusiastic young man with couple of troubles on his shoulders, and his absolute American dream is to become an adult film star, and Tom Dong is all up for it - therein lies the heart of this movie, in the process of a friendship, one that ends in tragedy. "Mope" starts on an uplifting note and stays quite fun and funny for at least half the runtime, though I imagine the subject matter could a big "if" for some, for one might feel the urge to take a shower after seeing this filthy flagship carrying some sleazy and homely men. "Mope" calls for empathy, but there isn't a whole lot of that in the society it presents - this is something that really depends on the viewer. The comedy factor, however, is inarguable, and it's rare when a movie of such mood ends on a note so bleak and depressing.

The seemingly nearly perfectly cast ensemble of actors do a great job and do not take away from the established authenticity of "Mope" - my personal highlights are Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as the energetic lead, and to many probably a seen face someplace, Brian Huskey, portraying the studio manager, writer, producer, director, the mighty leader. There isn't really a bad performance around, and if "Mope" hasn't been sold yet, horror fans might be pulled in by David Arqutte.

"Mope", by all means, feels and looks like a low budget feature, but once again, it seems to be the least of problems for B flicks nowadays. The camera work is decent, cinematography's easy to digest, easy to enjoy, and, small thing, but I personally like movies with no black bars nowhere. As for FX, there's one sequence of real violence, one that carries weight, and likely could've carried more of it if it wasn't shying away with so many cuts and close-ups.

Wether it's a story that needed to be adapted or not might be up for some discussion, but personally I enjoyed it, found it to a well-executed and odd mix of things, and actually compelling, so it is a 6/10 from me. This being director Lucas Heyne's full feature directional debut, I'm intrigued for what comes next, because "Mope" is a proof that the man knows how to find heart and substance in demanding scenarios.

Filthy ... good(?)

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 18 February 2020]

Now I was not aware of the term mope ... if you are it doesn't really mean one of us has issues. Whichever you may think that is. And anyone not aware will be getting quite the information about that term. These are people in the porn industry that most watching the content are not aware of. You can feel bad for them I reckon - the ones depicted here are a bit of an exaggaration of what Mopes are and what they do.

Having said that, the movie is not easy and takes turns that some may disagree with. And while this is not an adult film (nothing really explicit is shown), the situations overall are quite adult as you can imagine. Nothing for the squeamish then and nothing for those who may have issues (identifying) with our two male leads ... everyone else will be stunned, if not really entertained (which is a weird thing to say, I know)

good..

[lifelinespublishing · 6/10 · 17 June 2020]

I had low expectations for this film to be honest but as I watched, this had a good story and the acting were really good. The story moved clearly and all that needed emphasis had emphasis. It's such a shame that the ending had to be that way. I give it a 6.5/10

About as funny as 'Requiem for a Dream.' Includes boderline non-consensual sex scene, and brutal violence

[jrspam29 · 5/10 · 26 February 2021]

A helpful warning for anyone finding this in the "Comedy" section of a streaming service like I did.

As a drama, this is movie has a lot of promise, and a strong directorial debut, but I'd definitely consider it a drama with comedic moments, and not a comedy. Overall this is about as comedic as Requiem for a Dream, with a similar descent into the personal hell of the characters that never turns around.

Without giving spoilers, I wanted to include that one of the sex scenes contains graphic non-consensual moments, with the woman visibly upset. I'm leaving this as a very generic description so people can know what they're getting into when watching this movie.

I love movies with dark material, and don't want to dissuade anyone from watching this, I just want to put a warning out there in the reviews for anyone coming into this expecting it to be a comedy, so people know what they're getting into.

It's not a comedy

[burnett_123 · 7/10 · 4 January 2021]

Don't be misled. If you you think you just chose a light hearted comedy you will be disappointed. Even though it wasn't my kind of movie. (It was very disturbing and gross.) I have to admit it was actually a pretty good but also very intense movie full of emotional triggers. -6.5 rating

like a student film.

[movieswithgreg · 4/10 · 6 December 2020]

Think 'student film.' That's the key to figuring this out. A showcase for low budget filmmakers and actors, with a message about the destructiveness of mental health problems and the elusive attempts to surmount them with hope and effort.

A Worthy Effort

[TheAnimalMother · 6/10 · 21 December 2022]

I really feel I have to give this a 6.5 on here. In some ways it was quite interesting to me, and I feel some things were well captured here. However this film is certainly not for everyone, in fact not nearly everyone. It is a true story that claims to have kept the story as authentic as possible. Some may know by now that I'm big on films that duplicate reality in a very believable way. For the most part, this film is quite believable, as extreme as it is. Not every scene feels 100% authentic, but overall they did a fairly good job in this area. Aside from having some interesting aspects, it also has some pretty hilarious moments here and there. Overall however it is a pretty bleak and sad story that involves a person with mental health issues. The story itself however is really not all that bleak until near the end. If you have some interest in it, I would definitely suggest giving it a watch.

6.5/10.

not worth the time

[lebobrow · 1/10 · 16 June 2020]

Seriously, it's just not good. Yea, there's some jokes here and there, made well and all, but is this really worth 90 minutes of your life? No

Let's Talk About Sex

[stevenrobertson-97899 · 7/10 · 27 July 2021]

This is the real truth about Porn. Mix that with someone completely unhinged and it's murder. There's your review. Spoiler and all. You don't actually fully realise what goes on when it comes to Porn. Or at least I didn't. I had to look up Mope. I just thought they recruited people who didn't mind doing these things on screen and away they go. Wrong. Anyway the film follows a real life tragedy surrounding the industry and two of the performers called Driver and Dong. I'd say the outcome is sad but it's completely nuts. More worrying is it's true life. The film however keeps you gripped from start to end. See for yourself. Wait for the grand climax.

Train Wreck for sure

[zuzuspetals927 · 5/10 · 22 August 2021]

Can be filed under the theme of "Cautionary Tale".

This is what happens when you're up in the wee hours of the morning, channel surfing, and this shows up on your local cable channel.

There is no romanticizing the porn industry here. Can't even compare it to Boogie Nights, because this film goes where Boogie Nights did not -- the dark, bleak and seedy world of "mopes" -- men who are in low level porn. I had to look the word up.

It's a compelling watch. You find that you can't take your eyes off the screen. You will find yourself saying out loud, "what in the actual hell is happening here?" And then you google and you realize, to your absolute horror, that this film is based on a true story. You feel the doom and despair descend upon you, and if you can, you turn it off as it is now 7 am in your apartment and you cannot watch how this ends. Because you've googled and you know how this ends.

Clearly this film did not get a wide theatrical release, due to the subject matter. And as others have said better than me, this film opens the door on the true dark side of porn, where mopes are paid a scant $40 for each "scene". Throw in a mentally unstable man and man, there is your descent into madness and a dark ending to end all dark endings.

This film horrified me. It will stay with me for a very long time. This is not a comedy. You have been warned.

Surprised with how well this film nailed EVERYTHING

[Stay_away_from_the_Metropol · 8/10 · 20 July 2020]

As someone who has been a performer in the adult film industry for 11 years now, and someone who unknowingly had my toes dipped in the "mope" pool in my first couple of years in, I can attest to the fact that the makers of this film either A. Were involved with the adult industry themselves at some point, or B. Truly did their research, because everything from the terminology used, to the tone of these sets and the way people are treated and spoken to, to the progression of how things occur, were all nearly 100% accurate. Plus, about 50% of the cast was made up of actual XXX industry people and that added to the legitimacy of the vibe as well.

Perhaps it is because I have been in similar shoes and experienced some of these themes myself in reality, but I didn't really perceive the film as a comedy at all, and honestly comedy is generally a whack genre - this movie has more merit than that. It is very effective as a jarring, bleak re-telling of a tragic real life story, which should be considered this film's primary purpose anyhow - it's a solid drama and it's will make you feel like you need to take a shower afterwards, exactly as it should. This is a very dark, very real pocket of reality that most people have no idea exists - and this is the only film that's ever been made about it, so it deserves credit for doing it loyally.

It was my first impression of lead actor Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and he definitely steals the show, selling a very unique character that somehow manages to be incredibly complex and incredibly simple at the same time. At first he just seems naive and dumb, but as the film progresses you learn there is a lot more going on with him psychologically - this is one of the most impressive aspects of the film - it's very well written and VERY well acted, with great intensity. Familiar face Brian Huskey also puts in a very memorable, and relatively striking performance as their "boss", in a sense. The smaller role from David Arquette was a welcomed surprised and he ANNIHILATED his role too - Level 100 jerk, fully sold.

I do think one of the ways the film could have improved overall is by trimming off a bit of the fat in the edit, but otherwise the film flows very well. I think it's directed, shot, and edited very tastefully. I was impressed. The film also has some really great original music on the score by Jonathan Snipes of the group clipping, which I will be adding to my Spotify playlists.

Now, not everyone will be able to handle or appreciate this movie, considering the subject matter and the tone which is strictly in the realm of seediness and grime. There are only two scenes that are truly set to repulse those who don't have a head for perversion or a stomach for large amounts of bodily fluids, and one of them is the opening scene. But, know that most of the movie is nothing like the opening scene - however, it is the most appropriate and necessary way to open this film, 100%. All in all, a lot of people who don't realize how real this seedy underworld is are gonna think this is some try-hard trash film, but the truth is it's an important document eternalizing some niche history dealing with a bizarre and primarily unknown shadowy corner of contemporary U.S. culture.

Confronting but delightful.

[jeeschin · 7/10 · 21 June 2020]

It was one of those watch while I am on the computer doing some work kinda movie but as the movie progresses got me intrigue of the story and the physique of the main characters and the challenges of pursuing that dream and ambition in adversity to the past grim occurrences. Brian Huskey was thrilling putting us through some uncertainty in his character during the course of the two ambitious yet naive men's journey. A good watch but the end was a surprise but yet expected.

Nope

[bjiggetts · 1/10 · 15 September 2020]

This movie desperately needed a narrator. It was basically a dramatized true crime story, missing its most important part.

I wasn't there, but from what I saw, I didn't believe the story. It portrays everyone involved with some type of lack of common sense. Everyone looked self destructive, or negligent on some level. The main character, with a major lack of awareness. His friend, with his major lack of attention. The lead, with his lack of humanity. The main charater's parents with their lack of parenting. All of these things piling up together until the end was finally reached.

Spoiler Alert: The main character's friend vents to the main character in possibly the worst way I've ever seen... Then afterwards, giving a half hearted appology, adding to the seeming mayhem that was clearly coming, that everyone seemed to conveniently ignore. It all seemed like it was supposed to happen the way that it did. At the conclusion, I wasn't sure what this story was trying to say.

To add to my confusion, at the end of this movie, they advertised the movie these guys were in (Won't be posting the title here). Find that movie on the internet, and it has their names on it. And what happened to them. Maybe this was really just some messed up 2 hour commercial. Messed up world we live in. Wouldn't surprise me.

Bottom Line: I did not like this movie. I did not believe the story, particularly the friendship between these two characters. I think this movie would have been better as a true crime story. For me, this is a one star.

trash

[fluffchop · 1/10 · 21 September 2021]

3 minutes of this was more than enough. I'm not wasting my time on this utter crap. The only interesting thing was the cover.

creepy and retro

[nouyrigatantoine · 6/10 · 22 July 2021]

An improbable boogie night cheap and grotesque version adapted from a real news item. Not too badly screwed up overall, despite a film with a strange premise, you can watch it.

Behavior issue

[ks-60500 · 3/10 · 11 July 2020]

What i see in this movie is someone with anger and mental problem, just a moron taking his job not good with all his emotional on his face. Nothing worth this movie.

You could call yourself Blackie Chan

[nogodnomasters · 6/10 · 30 June 2020]

The film is based on a true story. It is a behind the scenes look at the adult film industry. Steve Driver (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett ) and Tom Dong (Kelly Sry) are mopes, willing to do anything to be in the industry. Steve is a loose cannon and simply can't act. Tome has some IT skills which his boss finds helpful. The film is shot with actual adult industry stars. I sis not know the story so the ending rook me by surprise.

Plenty of sex and nudity.

Whoa!

[wongieteam · 1/10 · 18 July 2020]

This is the most disgusting movie I have yet to see. Why would anyone want to tell the world about their (so-called) true story regarding their sick minded lives!? I watched the first 20 minutes and thank goodness I fell asleep because it was so good. NOT!!

A Non Woke Comedy

[Shaunmatthewc · 7/10 · 1 December 2022]

This was a decent little film and based on a true story. Sure the production value may be a little on the cheap side but probably had to be in the times we living in right now where it seems as though every film is made with a ticklist these days.

The story of 2 friends trying to get their foot into the Porn Industry but all goes horribly wrong.

This is the first film in ages I've actually laughed at and found funny. No comedies seem to be really getting made these days which is a shame. I'd say half the film was comedy and half serious. Recommend the watch as the acting was actually pretty good.

I liked it

[jcfcever-20202 · 8/10 · 5 August 2020]

Not a story I was aware of. Well acted, probably cut down a bit for time like most films. The key characters are reasonably well explained, perhaps one fringe character isn't, but they are being used for effect. It's done well, but moves fast towards the finish....which makes sense considering the mental health of the main character.....it doesn't dwell on the stuff that is thrown in to pad it out. Also I like that it doesn't create overly sympathetic characters, nor monsters. It's not a faithful to every detail biopic, it's going for a feeling of what happened and possibly why it happened

This is plain sad

[Killa42 · 6/10 · 14 January 2023]

This is the true story of Steve and Tom, who become best friends and attempt to get into the porn industry together. Instead, they meet a director (Eric) of BDSM fetish films, which are popular online. Eric sees potential in Tom, but, like everyone else, notices Steve has issues, including bad hygiene and immaturity. But, Tom says they're a package deal. The film further explores the friendship of Tom and Steve. The cast of actors were believable and felt genuine. It's rare to see such great acting in a low-budget film. Prior to watching, I saw a scene from this movie where a girl is dressed as a cheerleader, and she kicks the Eric, Tom, and Steve between the legs. I thought it was a great scene and wanted to see the rest of the movie after. The movie just made me sad, though. I didn't know it was true until looking it up halfway. Meanwhile, BDSM is highly ridiculed in society and looked at as a joke. People who are into it are called "perverts," and most are, but everyone is really a pervert in different ways. I was hoping for a film that explored BDSM on an educational aspect, but that part of the film was undermined by the true story of Tom and Steve and what wound up happening at the end. It's strange that in this world, people can accept sharing toilets, anal penetration, and changing genders, but if someone likes it when a woman kicks him between the legs it becomes a joke. I think everyone should be respected and treated equally. This film did not explore that. Instead, the BDSM factor is viewed as a joke and people who like it are seen as strange perverts. I agreed with Eric, who viewed BDSM as a form of art that is underappreciated. If you wanted to watch it for the BDSM factor, you're better off with the one scene with the cheerleader. Nothing else related happened in the movie, and even in the cheerleader scene had sad and depressing music playing in the background. The rest of the movie is just about Tom and Steve, and the direction makes BDSM look horrible and strange.

Wow.. just wow

[cfwc · 10/10 · 2 February 2019]

You have never seen this movie before. It's original, funny, sad and the best film I've seen in my 5 years at Sundance.

It's this strange combination of drama and comedy, orchestrated so methodically that it leaves me wondering how it could be better.

The acting was amazing, the score was amazing, the directing was amazing. Most importantly, the scenes were so impactful. During the survey of the studio I was laughing so hard I could barely hear what they were saying. During the pitch to Steve's father I was so distraught that I couldn't help but appreciate how human the characters where. During Tampa's sex scene I was angry and sad. No matter what the scene, I was fully engaged - and loved every minute of it.

I Was Laughing So Hard, I Was Crying

[imabigkidnow88 · 10/10 · 6 February 2019]

Hands down the best film AND experience I have ever had at the Sundance Film Festival in my past 5 years attending.

IMDB lists this movie as a Drama, and I would have to disagree with that primary label. While it does tell the dramatic true story of 2 low end porn actors, mope's as they are called in the industry, this movie is very much in a unique genre of comedy and drama, in its' own right.

Throughout the film I found myself laughing so hard, that at times I was crying and almost had to step out of the theater, as the comedic situations and dialogue were too much to take in. The film's fantastic pacing and approach to its unique genre allowed for the story arc to perfectly transition from that of a comedy to a drama. As the film approached its climatic and very dramatic ending, I was in awe that I could find myself empathizing with the character of Steve Driver, when merely 20 minutes ago I was outright laughing at his quest and approach to situations he would find himself in.

While watching, you can't help but laugh at the situations the two main characters find themselves in, as well as their devotion and dedication to their 'craft'. The serious demeanor of the characters, in their absurd and degrading positions within the industry, pushes the viewer to root for them in their plight for fame, while also pitying them at the same time. The motivation by both Steve Driver and Tom Dong is admirable, even if what they are seeking is downright degrading and laughable. The film provides a perfect mixture of both absurd comedic situations and dialogue, as well as the dramatic humanization of the characters as they interact with family, friends and crack whores about their hopes and dreams.

After the film ended, even the Q&A with the director was hilarious to listen to. One viewer asked; 'why there weren't more dick's in the film', stating that the director seemed to have more female body parts shown than male, at which point the director answered: "You want more dicks? I can add more dicks" and then proceeded to take a poll from the audience asking whom among us wanted more dicks to be added to the film, with everyone's hands promptly being raised.

I really hope that this movie gets a wide release soon, as I cannot wait to see it again in theaters. And along with the Sundance audience's demands, hopefully with more dicks this time.

This was surprisingly good

[crybaby-30283 · 9/10 · 7 December 2020]

I was flipping through channels, bored with every movie on. Even though I have every channel to man kind. So I just left this movie mopes on. Not expecting much but it just was left on, so I could play on my phone. I thought it was stupid lame low budget film. Then I actually got into it. It's not raunchy sex stuff the entire time. It's about 2 best friends who want to be famous and make it in the porn business. They get picked up after begging by a low budget porn directors. Who pays them by allowing them to stay at crappy warehouse, take abuse and some sex scenes with these gross girls. But it gets interesting when they do have a chance and Steve impresses the director with his sword tricks. But Steve ends up blowing it for him and Tom. Steve has severe mental problems, who has all these great ideas and high hopes. But it's not even reality, he even calls his father a million times. Trying to get him to invest in their own porn company, the father even said he wasn't even big. So why did he even pick porn to make his dream, not to mention we find out Steve had so many other obsessions. He brings Tom along but finally Tom is just fine and happy being at the Mopes studio and working with low budget porn. Tom starts to veer off and do his own thing and Steve still has all these ideas. Even brings in a homeless women into it, to meet his father no less. When his father begs him to come back home because he has mental problems. Steve storms off and also we find out Steve has horrible hygiene and doesn't take showers. Well the ending is so unexpected. Here I am watching a porn star trying to make it with his best friend and he ends up losing it. After Eric does cuckhold video with the homeless women, Steve snaps by all the horrible words they all say to him. Especially his best friend Tom, who he thought they would porn star hero's one day. Then takes his sword and literally attacks everyone and kills Tom. I didn't expect that ending at all and I would watch this movie again. It was extremely interesting and good. I couldn't believe it was based on a true story!

Good but Horrible

[prestonm1993 · 8/10 · 13 October 2023]

I've never seen a movie that made me feel so empty and sick since "Se7en". This is a good movie, but it's also horrible. What I mean is this movie IS a good film narratively and cinematically, and we'll acted and written. But this movie is horrible as in it's NOT for the faint of heart. It is also not a movie people wishing to enter the adult film industry will want to see. However it is one that those wishing to enter adult entertainment NEED to see.

This is based on a true story about two men who so desperately wanted to make it in the industry, they were willing to take on the most humiliating and debasing jobs within adult entertainment. It's no secret women are routinely objectified and used again and again in this business. However, this film shows the world that men also are treated like a cruel child's playthings.

If you come to this film expecting to laugh, you are sorely mistaken. This is a motion picture that sheds light onto the most dark and disgusting part of the already controversial world of X-rated cinema.

What makes this film worse is that one scene at the end intercuts footage of the film with footage of the real event that took place, reminding us of the horrible truth we are being told.