In 2024, Ariel Vromen, known for his intricate storytelling and ability to weave complex characters into his narratives, brings us A Mistake, a gripping thriller that keeps audiences at the edge of their seats. The movie, which stars Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, and Alia Shawkat, is an intense blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological twists. The story revolves around Frida, a cocktail waitress who gets entangled in a web of mystery and danger after meeting a tech billionaire at a high-profile event. With a hauntingly atmospheric tone, A Mistake explores themes of trust, perception, and the fragility of reality.

This review delves into every aspect of the movie, from the plot to the performances, to give you a complete analysis of what makes A Mistake worth watching.

Plot Overview

The film kicks off with an introduction to Slater King (played by Channing Tatum), a wealthy and powerful tech mogul hosting a fundraising gala. Frida (Naomi Ackie), a cocktail waitress, is serving drinks at the event when Slater notices her. After an intriguing conversation, he invites Frida to join him and his friends on a dream vacation to his private island.

The initial premise seems like a lavish invitation, with Frida, an ordinary woman working in the service industry, being thrust into the luxurious world of the elite. However, what begins as a vacation filled with indulgence soon turns into a nightmare. Strange occurrences begin to happen on the island, and Frida finds herself questioning not just her surroundings but her own grasp on reality.

As the mystery unfolds, Frida discovers that things are not as they seem, and the island may hold dark secrets that could change her life forever. A Mistake explores the psychological unraveling of a person caught between the lines of truth and illusion.

Direction and Cinematic Style

Ariel Vromen has carved out a reputation for creating films that tackle complex psychological themes, and A Mistake is no different. Vromen’s direction is subtle but powerful. His use of suspense and pacing is exemplary, allowing the tension to build gradually as the story progresses. The director does not rely on cheap thrills or sudden jump scares; instead, he crafts an atmosphere of uncertainty and unease that lingers throughout the film.

The movie’s pacing is one of its strongest suits. From the moment Frida is introduced to the private island, the tension starts to simmer beneath the surface. Vromen understands how to create an escalating sense of dread, using long, drawn-out scenes that emphasize Frida’s isolation and growing paranoia.

The cinematography is equally impressive, with stunning shots of the private island and its mysterious surroundings. The visuals are sharp and often mirror Frida’s mental state—at times clear and beautiful, but at other moments dark and distorted. The island itself becomes a character, with its isolation and strange occurrences serving as a perfect backdrop for the film’s psychological tension.

Acting Performances

One of the standout elements of A Mistake is the stellar cast. Naomi Ackie, known for her role in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, delivers an impressive performance as Frida. Ackie brings depth and vulnerability to the character, making her journey from a hopeful woman on a dream vacation to a paranoid soul questioning everything around her both believable and compelling. Her portrayal of Frida’s confusion and fear as reality begins to blur is nothing short of captivating.

Channing Tatum, playing Slater King, adds an interesting layer to his character. At first glance, Slater seems like the charming billionaire, the kind of man who could easily sweep someone off their feet. However, Tatum’s performance reveals a darker side to Slater, leaving the audience questioning his motives and trustworthiness. Tatum’s portrayal of Slater as an enigmatic and possibly sinister figure helps to keep the audience guessing about his true intentions.

Alia Shawkat plays a supporting role in the film, and though her screen time is limited, her presence is felt throughout. Shawkat’s ability to convey a sense of underlying tension with minimal dialogue adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Her character serves as a catalyst for Frida’s growing realization that something is wrong on the island, and Shawkat excels in making her role both mysterious and essential to the plot.

Themes and Symbolism

At its core, A Mistake is a psychological thriller that explores several profound themes. One of the most prominent themes is the fragility of reality. Frida’s descent into confusion and paranoia reflects the way our perceptions can be distorted when faced with overwhelming uncertainty. The movie invites the audience to question what is real and what is imagined, making it difficult to trust the characters or the environment.

Another key theme is power and manipulation. Slater King, with his wealth and influence, represents the dangers of unchecked power. His ability to control and manipulate those around him is a recurring motif throughout the film. The private island serves as a symbol of this power, a secluded paradise that holds dark secrets. As the story progresses, the island transforms from a place of luxury to one of entrapment, mirroring Frida’s entanglement in Slater’s world.

The psychological aspect of the film is amplified by the sense of isolation. Frida is physically alone on the island, and emotionally, she begins to feel as though she is drifting further from reality. This sense of being trapped in an environment where nothing is as it seems intensifies the thriller elements of the film. Vromen uses Frida’s growing isolation as a metaphor for her inner turmoil, making the island a character in itself.

Cinematic Influences and Comparisons

The influence of classic psychological thrillers can be seen in A Mistake. Films like The Shining (1980) and Rosemary’s Baby (1968) come to mind, both of which deal with similar themes of isolation, psychological unraveling, and the fear of losing control. Like these films, A Mistake plays with the audience’s perception, creating a sense of unease that persists even after the movie ends.

The film also shares some thematic elements with more recent thrillers, such as The Invitation (2022) and Gerald’s Game (2017), which explore the dark side of seemingly innocent scenarios. Much like these films, A Mistake pulls its characters into a dangerous and disorienting world, forcing them to confront their worst fears.

Soundtrack and Score

The film’s soundtrack plays a crucial role in building tension. The haunting score, composed by an artist who specializes in eerie and atmospheric music, complements the visual aesthetic perfectly. The music amplifies the sense of paranoia, with subtle strings and distorted electronic beats reflecting Frida’s growing instability.

The use of silence in key moments also deserves attention. At times, the absence of sound amplifies the feeling of isolation, making every subtle noise seem amplified. The film’s sound design contributes to the overall disorienting effect, drawing the viewer deeper into Frida’s state of mind.

Criticism and Flaws

While A Mistake is largely effective in its execution, it does have some flaws. The pacing, while generally well-handled, occasionally lags in the middle of the film. There are moments where the tension could have been heightened further, and some sequences may feel repetitive. Additionally, the plot’s reliance on certain twists and revelations might feel predictable to some viewers, especially those familiar with the psychological thriller genre.

The film’s ending, while impactful, may leave some audience members with questions. It’s an ending that challenges the viewer’s interpretation, and while that’s a powerful storytelling choice, it may not satisfy those who prefer a more definitive resolution.

Final Thoughts

A Mistake is a visually captivating and psychologically intense thriller that benefits from strong performances, a talented director, and a gripping plot. Ariel Vromen’s ability to build suspense and manipulate perception makes the film a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. Naomi Ackie shines as the central character, and Channing Tatum’s portrayal of Slater King keeps the audience guessing about his true nature. While the film has its pacing issues and may not offer the most groundbreaking twists, its atmosphere and psychological complexity make it a standout thriller for 2024.

With a rating of 6.8/10 on IMDb, A Mistake is a film that will leave audiences questioning what is real and what is imagined. Whether you’re drawn to psychological mysteries or enjoy a good thriller, this movie delivers on its promise to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.