Like Minds (2006)

Like Minds Poster

A forensic psychologist must determine if a minor should be charged with murder.

Film Overview
"Like Minds", also known as "Murderous Intent", is a thriller-murder secret film by director Gregory J. Read. The movie was first launched at the Toronto Film Festival on October 5, 2006, under the title "Like Minds". It stars Eddie Redmayne, Toni Collette, and Tom Sturridge in the lead roles.

Plot Summary
The film is embeded in a British boarding school, and centers around two trainees, Alex Forbes (Tom Sturridge) and Nigel Colbie (Eddie Redmayne). The 2 share a room but are polar revers; Alex is popular and charming, whereas Nigel is shy and obsessed with the occult.

Nigel's fascination with the Order of the Templar Knights, a medieval secret society, and his tendency to blur the lines between dream and truth lead to a friction-laden relationship with Alex. When Alex is discovered killed, Nigel becomes the main suspect, owing to their troubled relationship and his spooky fascination with death.

Examination and Psychological Examination
Forensic psychologist Sally Rowe (Toni Collette) is summoned to analyze Nigel and determine his peace of mind to stand trial. Over the course of several interviews, Sally is drawn into Nigel's sinister world view, discovering his belief in transmigration - the concept that he and Alex are reincarnations of two Templar knights looped by a cycle of routine murders.

Discovering the Truth
As Sally delves further into the mystery, she starts questioning the truth she understands. She discovers striking similarities between the routines explained by Nigel and the way Alex was killed. Agitated by the turn of occasions and Nigel's disturbing mind video games, she starts to suspect a broader conspiracy might be at play.

In a chilling twist, it's revealed that the current school's head boy, Josh, is likewise a follower in the Templar knights' legend and was affected by Nigel into committing the murder. The movie concludes with Josh being arrested, leaving behind a deeply affected Sally.

Styles and Reception
"Like Minds" checks out darker themes such as the expedition of the human psyche, the line between truth and obsession, and the impact of historical routines in modern-day times. It manages to preserve an intense, psychological drama throughout, anchored by the powerful performances of its lead cast.

Despite combined evaluations from critics, the complexity of the story and the overwhelming efficiencies were praised. Eddie Redmayne, in specific, was kept in mind for his portrayal of the spooky and enigmatic character of Nigel.

In conclusion, "Like Minds" is a psychological thriller that uses occult routines, reincarnation beliefs, and middle ages history to weave an engrossing story. Though it might not be everyone's go-to film, for those who delight in dark and layered narratives, "Like Minds" is a must-watch.

Top Cast

  • Eddie Redmayne (small)
    Eddie Redmayne
    Alex Forbes
  • Tom Sturridge (small)
    Tom Sturridge
    Nigel Colbie
  • Toni Collette (small)
    Toni Collette
    Sally
  • Richard Roxburgh (small)
    Richard Roxburgh
    McKenzie
  • Kate Maberly (small)
    Kate Maberly
    Susan Mueller
  • Jonathan Overton
    Josh
  • Amit Shah (small)
    Amit Shah
    Raj Mehta
  • David Threlfall (small)
    David Threlfall
    John Colbie
  • Cathryn Bradshaw (small)
    Cathryn Bradshaw
    Helen Colbie
  • Patrick Malahide (small)
    Patrick Malahide
    Headmaster
  • Hugh Sachs (small)
    Hugh Sachs
    Rev Donaldson