Review: Mouse

Official Synopsis: When Minnie's (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) closest friendship is suddenly disrupted the summer before senior year, she struggles to find her footing and develops an unexpected, complicated bond with her best friend’s mother, Helen. (Sophie Okodeno)

Between this and Tangles, I've been single handedly keeping Kleenex in business. Your girl has cried a LOT lately. But don't let that deter you, Mouse has a lot to say about grief and you'll certainly be able to relate to it. Maybe a lot, or maybe just a little, but it'll be there. 

I wasn't familiar with co-directors Alex Thompson and Kelly O'Sullivan (who is also the writer) previous work, but after seeing how expertly they handled the various levels of grief in this, I know I need to check it out. I'm going to single out Kelly a bit more here because she's the sole writing credit, but there is such a tenderness in this film. I think a lot of millennials will see themselves in Minnie. I certainly did. There's a scene early in the film where someone tells her she's just shy and she responds with "I don't think I am." that really resonated with me. I think if you've ever felt awkward in your life, you'll understand what Minnie is going through.

I also love the way this film features mothers, both Helen and Minnie's mom, Barbara (Tara Mallen) are very different people. Minnie is ashamed of her mom and wishes Helen was hers instead. But Barbara is never villainized and while you think you might have a read on her at first, as the film goes along it will totally change your view. 

There's a lot of sadness in this film, but there's hope too. There's a few moments that I wish would've had a bit more resolution but it's a small complaint for a film that's written and acted this well. Sophie Okodeno has been giving amazing performances for years, and her Supporting performance here is one of the best she's ever done. I really hope she gets some recognition for it. Katherine Mallen Kupferer also does an amazing job as the lead. It reminded me a lot of Elsie Fisher's turn in Eighth Grade. I should be a star-making performance for her. And Iman Vellani is a much needed ray of sunshine in a smaller role.

Mouse opens in U.S theaters this Friday. 

Grade: B