‘Mouse’ movie review: a triumphantly intimate, thoughtful coming-of-age tearjerker
‘Mouse’ is a moving coming-of-age drama from Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, whose earlier film ‘Ghostlight’ also explored grief through theatre. Set in a close-knit community, it uses a young person’s death to examine how families and classmates cope, reconnect and try to resume daily life.
The story takes place in 2002, three months after 17-year-old Callie dies, focusing on her best friend Minnie and Callie’s mother, Helen. A cabaret proposed in Callie’s honour brings the community together, while Minnie struggles with guilt and isolation. The review praises Katherine Kupferer’s nuanced performance and Sophie Okonedo’s compassion, and says the film avoids reducing its characters’ feelings to labels.
In short
- ‘Mouse’ follows a community three months after a teenager’s death.
- A memorial cabaret brings grieving classmates and families together.
- The review highlights Katherine Kupferer and Sophie Okonedo’s performances.
Explained simply
The film is set in 2002, three months after 17-year-old Callie has died. It follows her best friend, Minnie, and her mother, Helen, as they live with the loss in a close-knit community.
A cabaret in Callie’s honour gives classmates and family a reason to come together. Minnie, meanwhile, feels guilty and isolated, while those around her try to reconnect and return to everyday life.
The story focuses on how grief affects people differently and how relationships can change after a death. Its small-town setting brings together the family and school communities that shared Callie’s life.