Cast
View AllElla Stevens
as Maggie
Ché Negron
as Trevor
Charlie Niccolini
as Cal
Stephen Greenberg
as Robbie
Arwen-Vira Marsh
as Winnie
Finn Rollings
as Francis
Nicole Streger
as Harley
Augustus Glick
as Dirk
Isabella Moran
as Berta
Eitan Pessah
as Thorne
Lorenzo Hughes
as Rook
Maddi Reese
as Dr. Supra
Hart Turner
as Dr. Stethen
Veronica Szafoni
as Dr. Cannula
Helena Schatzki
as Shampoo Queen
Crew
Director
- Declan Franey
- Aaron Onish
Writer
- Nathaniel Unger
Producer
- Lily Kaplan
- Matthew Moseley
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Mixed Signals explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Declan Franey brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mixed Signals took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 60 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 97 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mixed Signals shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Forrest Gump, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mixed Signals subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Front and The Cuckoo explore similar territory, Mixed Signals stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 2, 2023
- Runtime: 1h