Nowhere Mind

Nowhere Mind is a deeply psychological and intense indie film of 2018 directed by Ben Nissen. Starring Patriac Coakley, David Scott Crawford, and Andrew Graves, the film intertwines the realms of the surreal with the stark realities of life to create a captivating blend of mystery, drama, and psychological thrills. This multilayered independent thriller offers a richly textured canvas of characters trying to comprehend and navigate the tangled webs of consciousness. Set in the bustling backdrop of Chicago, the plot grapples with profound questions concerning the essence of identity, consciousness, and the perception of reality.

Patriac Coakley, known for his emotional depth and raw energy, brilliantly portrays the character of Ivan, an intellectual whose life revolves around research work. Ivan uses meditation to explore the limits of human consciousness, pushing boundaries where one instinctively fears to tread. His complex persona weaves an enigmatic narrative around his gradual controlled self-destruction in his quest for understanding, becoming a warped reflection of his own ambitions and desires.

David Scott Crawford portrays the seemingly grounded character of Nate. A childhood friend of Ivan, Nate is depicted as the voice of reason within the film. He tries to understand Ivan's bizarre behavior but struggles to comprehend the frightening depths of Ivan's fanaticism. Crawford's performance strikingly contrasts Coakley's, portraying a vivid display of a grounded personality at odds with an increasingly erratic one.

Andrew Graves elevates the dramatic depth of the film with his portrayal of Dr. Cassle, a psychiatrist assigned to help Ivan navigate the labyrinth of his consciousness. His dilemmas and moral struggles offer an intriguing entry point into the complex narrative. The multiple intertwining narratives, each lensed through a different perspective, make the film provocative and intellectually stimulating.

The title "Nowhere Mind" brilliantly tags the central theme of the movie as it cues to the disembodiment of thought and being, a state where the concept of 'self' becomes void and the mind transcends tangible existence. The radical concept of 'nowhere mind' is brilliantly represented throughout the movie, relentlessly forcing the audience to question and reconsider their perception of reality.

Nowhere Mind, though a thriller, heavily relies on a substantive plot revolving around the exploration of human consciousness and reality. Director Ben Nissen leaves room for interpretational flexibility as he constructs a layered narrative that constantly shifts between the real and the unreal. Nick Wilson's splendid cinematography provides the film with a distinct visual ambiance that aligns perfectly with its mind-bending theme. The film’s score, composed by Tom Hauser, is haunting and complements the overall intensity of the drama.

Nowhere Mind finds its strength in its avowal of ambiguity. It masterfully balances psychological exploration with moments of high-octane tension. The script delves into the intricacies of psychical research, mental health, and philosophy, integrating these heavy subjects into the narrative that maintains its flow without pushing the viewers into a dry, academic discourse.

The dynamics between Ivan and the people who are both the caregivers and recipients of his actions give Nowhere Mind a strong heart. The performances by the lead actors provide the film with a lacing of authenticity, making the audience invest in their journeys. Patriac Coakley's portrayal of Ivan is especially notable as he relentlessly navigates the boundary between genius and insanity, rendering an unforgettable character that will continue to haunt the viewers long after the film ends.

Nowhere Mind is, in essence, a thought-provoking journey into the enigmatic corridors of human consciousness. It challenges the viewer's perception of reality, drawing them into a hypnotic maze of psychology and philosophy. It's a film that demands the full engagement of its audience, rewarding them with a textured narrative that is both fascinating and deeply impactful. Nowhere Mind is, by all means, a film that leaves an indelible impact and keeps you enthralled and engaged, long after the credits have rolled.