Mute (2018)

Mute Poster

A mute man with a violent past is forced to take on the teeming underworld of a near-future Berlin as he searches for his missing girlfriend.

Film Introduction
"Mute" is a 2018 science fiction movie directed by Duncan Jones. The movie, which stars Alexander Skarsgård, Paul Rudd, and Justin Theroux, is a Netflix original that's embeded in Berlin, forty years into the future. "Mute" presents a world of immersive technologies and cybernetics, with a distinct plot revolving around a mute bartender revealing the strange disappearance of his girlfriend.

Plot Summary
The movie informs the story of Leo (Alexander Skarsgård), a guy not able to speak due to a boating mishap in his youth. Working as a bartender in Berlin's underworld, Leo leads a basic life in contrast to the state-of-the-art city that surrounds him. His world takes a turn when his sweetheart Naadirah (Seyneb Saleh) goes missing out on under mystical circumstances. As a mute man in a dynamic, noisy city, Leo faces difficulties while looking for clues that result in Naadirah.

Parallel to Leo's story, two rogue surgeons - Cactus Bill (Paul Rudd) and Duck (Justin Theroux), former United States army medics now running in Berlin's dark underworld, form an essential part of the narrative. The unpredictability of their violent way of life wreaks havoc that in some way converges with the peaceful journey of Leo.

Main Themes
"Mute" checks out various styles throughout its story such as love, loss, decision, and tragic paradox. It underpins the worth of communication, showcasing the struggles of a silent protagonist in an overwhelmingly loud world. Although he isn't able to speak, Leo communicates efficiently through his actions and expressions, evidencing that love and determination know no barriers. The film also discuss the moral uncertainty of characters like Cactus Bill and Duck whose actions have serious repercussions for others around them.

Execution and Reception
"Mute" is notable for its own unique design and visual, blending traditional noir elements with a futuristic setting. Nevertheless, regardless of its excellent visuals, intriguing premise, and good performances, the film got mixed to negative reviews. Critics pointed out its muddled narrative and a lack of depth in the secondary characters as significant mistakes. Yet, Skarsgård's efficiency attracted praise for his impressive portrayal of a mute character, commanding attention, and communicating his feelings entirely through his actions.

Conclusion
"Mute" is a visually compelling movie that presses limits in its story and character advancement however falls short in regards to plot clearness and coherence. It is an interesting mix of noir and science fiction, where the quiet protagonist's powerful decision forms the heart of the story. In spite of dealing with criticism for narrative concerns, "Mute" nevertheless presents an unforgettable cinematic journey into a dystopian future, underlining the battles and strength of an uncommon hero.

Top Cast

  • Alexander Skarsgård (small)
    Alexander Skarsgård
    Leo Beiler
  • Paul Rudd (small)
    Paul Rudd
    Cactus Bill
  • Justin Theroux (small)
    Justin Theroux
    Duck Teddington
  • Seyneb Saleh (small)
    Seyneb Saleh
    Naadirah
  • Robert Sheehan (small)
    Robert Sheehan
    Luba
  • Jannis Niewöhner (small)
    Jannis Niewöhner
    Nicky Simsek
  • Noel Clarke (small)
    Noel Clarke
    Stuart
  • Dominic Monaghan (small)
    Dominic Monaghan
    Oswald
  • Sam Rockwell (small)
    Sam Rockwell
    Sam Bell
  • Florence Kasumba (small)
    Florence Kasumba
    Tanya
  • Daniel Fathers (small)
    Daniel Fathers
    Sgt. Robert Kloskowski