Watch Murder in Mind

Murder in Mind is an intense psychological thriller from 1994 that tackles the question of whether it is possible to control someone's mind and make them commit murder. Directed by Andrew Morahan and written by Michael Ignatieff, the film features an impressive cast of British actors, including Juliette Caton, Trevor Eve, Cathryn Harrison, and Mandy Lomax.

The story begins with a horrific murder that takes place in a crowded London park. The victim is a young woman named Alice (played by Caton), who is stabbed to death in broad daylight while jogging. The police investigation led by detective Tom Beckwith (Eve) quickly runs into dead ends, and the case goes cold.

However, the killer soon strikes again, and this time the victim is a man named Paul (played by Peter Bowles). The only link between the two victims is that they both had relationships with the same psychiatrist, Dr. Martin Sturges (played by Harrison). Tom Beckwith starts to suspect that Dr. Sturges may be involved in the murders, but he has no evidence to prove it.

Meanwhile, a young woman named Karen (played by Lomax) has been admitted to Dr. Sturges' psychiatric ward for treatment. Karen is suffering from severe depression and is suicidal, but Dr. Sturges believes that he can help her by using a controversial new therapy known as "indirect suggestion". This therapy involves implanting ideas in the patient's mind while they are in a hypnotic state, with the aim of curing their mental illness.

As the investigation into the murders continues, it becomes clear that there is a link between Karen's treatment and the crimes. Tom Beckwith and his partner, detective Sarah Berkeley (played by Megan Dodds), start to unravel a complex web of deceit, manipulation, and revenge that leads them straight to Dr. Sturges.

Murder in Mind is a film that challenges the viewer's perception of reality and morality. The characters are all flawed and complex, and the audience is never quite sure who to trust. The film also raises important questions about the ethics of psychiatric treatment and the use of mind control techniques.

One of the film's biggest strengths is its performances. Juliette Caton is excellent as the ill-fated Alice, and Trevor Eve gives a nuanced and sympathetic performance as the determined detective. Cathryn Harrison is chilling as the manipulative Dr. Sturges, and Mandy Lomax is heartbreaking as the vulnerable Karen.

Another strength of the film is its visual style. The cinematography by Mike Southon is atmospheric and moody, and the use of dark colors and shadows creates a sense of foreboding that is both unsettling and captivating. The film also features an eerie and haunting score by John Murphy that adds to the psychological intensity of the story.

Despite its strengths, Murder in Mind is not without its flaws. The pacing of the film is uneven at times, and some of the plot twists feel contrived and implausible. However, the film's overall impact is still powerful and thought-provoking, and it remains a noteworthy entry in the psychological thriller genre.

In conclusion, Murder in Mind is a gripping and suspenseful film that explores the dark underbelly of the human psyche. It is a film that will keep the viewer guessing until the very end, and it raises important and relevant questions about the limits of human control over the mind. With its impressive cast and stylish visuals, Murder in Mind is a highly recommended thriller for fans of the genre.

Murder in Mind is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.