In a surprising turn of events, a 2022 thriller called Mindcage, starring Martin Lawrence and Melissa Roxburgh, has found unexpected success on Netflix. Despite initially receiving mixed reviews and limited attention upon its release, the film has now climbed its way into Netflix's Global Top 10 for the week of January 22-28, 2023.
Released in 2022, Mindcage revolves around two detectives who turn to an incarcerated serial killer known as the Artist for assistance when a copycat killer emerges. Alongside Lawrence and Roxburgh, the film features an impressive cast including John Malkovich, Robert Knepper, Jacob Grodnik, and Aiden Turner. It's worth noting that Roxburgh is also recognized for her role as Michaela Stone in the popular series Manifest, which released its final season on Netflix in 2023.
Mindcage's journey to success is rather peculiar. Initially garnering little attention with a limited theatrical release and a straight-to-video-on-demand availability in December 2022, the film failed to make a significant impact. Moreover, it was not widely reviewed by critics upon its release. However, everything changed when it landed on Netflix.
In its first week on the streaming platform, Mindcage clocked in an impressive 14.7 million hours of watch time and received a total of 9.1 million views, firmly securing its spot in the Global Top 10. Despite Kevin Hart's Lift dominating the charts for the third consecutive week, Mindcage managed to claim the second position, exceeding expectations.
Nonetheless, it's crucial to note that critical reception of Mindcage remains largely unfavorable. With just 11 approved reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a meager 18 percent score from critics, reflecting their disappointment with the predictable nature of the thriller. Many critics describe Mindcage as a forgettable film that relies heavily on worn-out serial killer tropes, while also drawing comparisons to renowned classics like The Silence of the Lambs, Seven, and Fallen.
Interestingly, one aspect that garnered some positive feedback was John Malkovich's portrayal of the deranged serial killer in Mindcage. Critics praised his performance for its over-the-top delivery, highlighting the actor's ability to command attention and capture the essence of a disturbed character.
On the other hand, audience reception appears to be more forgiving. Despite the negative critical reviews, Mindcage managed to achieve a more respectable 66 percent score based on ratings from over 250 viewers. It seems that the film has resonated better with general audiences, who were perhaps looking for a thrilling escapade rather than a groundbreaking piece of cinema.
While Mindcage's newfound popularity has definitely piqued interest, it should be noted that the film is currently not available on Netflix in the United States. However, those interested can still stream it on Tubi.
It's intriguing how a movie that initially flew under the radar can suddenly capture the attention of audiences worldwide through the power of streaming. Mindcage's rise to the Global Top 10 on Netflix serves as a reminder that popular cinema can often defy expectations, proving that even critically panned films can find a passionate audience.
