Review of Anna (2013) by Quincytheodore — 13 Feb 2015

Mindscape has a solid premise, it opens with assertive scenes and good production for suspense. The two main leads, Mark Strong and Taissa Farmiga, are effective for drawing the audience's sympathy, they are strangely involved in a confining situation originally as therapist and patient. It escalates into darker territory as they uncover secrets and danger alike, but unfortunately the movie reaches the conclusion without the same confidence it starts, leaving a dry stale taste as it weakly draws to a close.

Story follows John Washington (Mark Strong), a psychic with the rare skill of accessing another people's memories. He is tasked to help Anna Greene (Taissa Farmiga), a smart young girl with troubled past. Washington has suffered from a botched session before and currently struggling with his own issues while Anna is an enigmatic girl who distinctly represents a caged bird. The unique thing about their relationship is Washington serves as a therapist but at the same time a sort of detective investigating her deep rooted anxiety.

This brings so much potential as it dabbles with the idea of abuse or manipulation. Washington grows increasingly protective of Anna, there's also a hint of sensuality beneath the adoration but none too blatant to overshadow their unique bond. It has the luxury of both mystery ambiance as well as a bit of sci-fi tone. Its cinematography works in intriguing manner as it portrays the world in noir theme yet it also has the liberty to present a more modern cityscape. Coupled with good script, the movie is a surefire hit for mystery fans.

However, it seems to lost its momentum half way through, rehearsing the same material with little thrill. The mix between supernatural and futuristic world have a few decent set-ups for more development, but none pays off satisfyingly. Chemistry between the leads is nice, although the curiosity produced by their interaction doesn't hold until the last arc. Furthermore, some of the crucial intricacies are skimped over, leaving a few plot holes as it wobbles towards the climax.

For a thriller with such promising start, it's even more disappointing when it ends so blandly. Unlike most of its genre, where many reach dynamic conclusions, Anna's finale is anticlimactically resembled mediocre dramas’.