Like Minds Movie Review (2006)
A psychological thriller about a teen trying to prove his innocence when he is accused of another student’s murder, Like Minds is a trip with lots of twists and turns.
There are some excellent psychological thrillers out there. Shutter Island, Zodiac, Burning – all movies that I recommend watching if you haven’t seen them. They play with your mind and instill a sense of mystery, so while you don’t have to work hard when you watch them, you do have to work. And seeing if you can figure out what is happening before the reveal is definitely part of the fun.
Like Minds opens with teen Alex outside next to a train track in the rain, holding the dead body of Nigel. Alex is charged with murder, but says that he didn’t kill his friend. Psychologist Sally Rowe is tapped to try to prove his guilt, but in doing so, he tells her a story that makes her question what actually happened.
Both Alex and Nigel are students at a boys’ boarding school and are assigned as roommates after Nigel enrolls. Alex has attended for a long time and has a “bad boy” streak, although he can’t leave even though he wants his freedom.
Eddie Redmayne and Tom Sturridge are magnetic as Alex and Nigel. Sturridge has a “sees into your soul” quality and Redmayne is happy to test the limits. They are fire and ice, but also bewitched by each other. It’s a great dynamic and makes the film a lot of fun.
Like Minds is a movie where you know how it ends from the very first scene, so your question isn’t what happens, but rather, how they got there. There is a constant undercurrent of riddles begging to be solved here.
There are some creepy things in this film, like a random body part or a dead animal. Heightened by the score, you are never entirely sure who the good guy is, or if there even is one. And the adults all have their own motives for their actions as well.
There is also a heavy theme of brotherhood and obsession. There are references to The Knights Templar and the responsibility in seeing a larger picture and knowing the secrets of one’s society. It all works to balance the enigma.
Finding myself gasping at several moments and thrown by others, Like Minds is a really good time. It is dark and mysterious, and you’ll find yourself wanting to talk about the ending after you’ve watched it, which is the hallmark of a great thriller.
Runtime: 104 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: R
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Available: Free on Prime Video and Tubi, and may be available for free on other streaming platforms
