Today’s quick review: Mute. Leo (Alexander Skarsgard), an Amish man rendered mute in a childhood accident, works as a bartender in a German nightclub. When his girlfriend Naadirah (Seyneb Saleh) goes missing, Leo embarks on a winding investigation to locate her, one that leads him to buried secrets about her past. Meanwhile, Cactus Bill (Paul Rudd), an AWOL American army doctor, looks for a way to get himself and his daughter out of the country.
Mute is a science fiction crime drama and mystery from director Duncan Jones. Set in a neon future where criminals rule the nightlife and technology has further worked its way into the fabric of society, Mute follows Leo on his single-minded quest to find his missing girlfriend. The movie features a well-drawn setting, a competent mystery, and unusual characters. However, its odd tone and slow pacing keep it from living up to its full potential.
Mute has solid craftsmanship, particularly when it comes to setting, character, and the slow drip of information. Mute’s vision of the future has plenty in common with films like Blade Runner, but its colorful, moody environments and keen eye for detail, particularly when it comes to the impact of technology on society, make it a worthwhile setting to visit. Mute manages to be forward-thinking yet grounded in familiar concepts.
Mute’s cast has a very particular flavor to it. Each character has a distinctive personality, but all of them are abnormal. Leo is a kind-hearted mute with poor technological skills and a one-track mind. Cactus Bill is a brash, temperamental criminal with an honorable streak. Even supporting characters such as Duck (Justin Theroux), Bill’s best friend and fellow doctor, are twisted in their own ways. The result is a skewed cast that’s hard to read.
Mute’s plot is just as hard to get a bead on. The mystery moves slowly, always chugging steadily forward but never building up real momentum. The plot has a few good twists, but actual clues are scarce and the answers are not entirely satisfying. Mute also leaves the viewer to connect a lot of the dots, which can make the story hard to follow. Leo’s investigation ping-pongs around a complicated criminal underworld with plenty to keep track of.
Mute never quite clicks. Its individual pieces show potential, but its unusual characters, its futuristic setting, and its vague mystery make it too alien to work well as a drama. Even a sympathetic protagonist in Leo is not enough to ground the story, and without a solid emotional foundation to build on, Mute struggles to tell a satisfying story. The film also contains explicit, mature content that some viewers will find unpalatable.
Try Mute when you’re in the mood for a dark, personal peek at the future. Solid craftsmanship and a decent mystery make the movie a worthwhile watch for curious viewers, but those hoping for a cohesive, moving experience will be disappointed. Steer clear if you’re looking for action-oriented sci-fi, a faster-paced mystery, or immediately relatable characters. Also steer clear if you’re sensitive to mature content or prefer lighter films.
For a minimalistic sci-fi thriller from the same director, check out Moon. For a much more artful take on a similar future, check out Blade Runner 2049. For a present-day noir with a similar plot and tone, check out Brick. For a gritty, violent action movie with a similar atmosphere, check out Drive. For a less successful attempt at something similar, try Only God Forgives.
5.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for its setting and mystery, held back by warped characters, a dark tone, and only modest payoff.