Movie Review: ‘Mind Wave’ – A Timely and Resonant Narrative.

The struggle to subvert government control over the internet and its use by citizens will always remain a relevant and contentious issue. Especially now in an era where the internet wields unparalleled power capable of good and unimaginable harm. This conversation is more pertinent than ever and many films have explored the subject matter in one form or another. And now, a new indie thriller ‘Mind Waves‘, joins the fray, presenting a a fresh perspective.

‘Mind Waves‘ is directed by Leon Lee, who co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Fine. It tells a story set in present-day Canada, where tensions rise as a global ban threatens to dismantle a popular Chinese social media app. The narrative follows Clint Wu (played by Harry Han), an expatriate cyber security expert, as he races against time to clear his name after being framed for a cybercrime. Along the way, he uncovers a conspiracy with implications far beyond his own predicament likely to endanger democracy on a global scale.

The film introduces us to Clint Wu and his wife Sara Wu (played by Liz Cha), a seemingly ordinary Asian couple on the cusp of parenthood in a country they now call home. Clint’s past, however, is far from ordinary. Once a hacker in China, his attempts to challenge governmental control led to his near-arrest and eventual asylum in Canada. After slowly rebuilding his life by earning a degree, finding a stable job, and starting a family, his world is upended when police raid his home and arrest him on charges of a high-level cyber breach which he denies knowing about.

Liz Cha and Harry Han in Mind Wave (2024)

As Clint delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that his wife Sara might be more involved than he is aware of. The narrative cleverly intertwines his present-day struggles with flashbacks that paint a vivid picture of his escape from China, his integration into Canadian society, and his growing relationship with Sara. These glimpses into his past not only add depth to his character but also contextualize the stakes of his fight for freedom.

Harry Han delivers a strong performance as Clint Wu, capturing the internal conflict of a man torn between his loyalty to his homeland and his allegiance to his adopted country. Even as he grapples with uncertainty and betrayal, Clint’s determination to protect his wife remains unwavering. Han’s portrayal brings nuance to the character, though the script and direction sometimes fail to provide Clint with the urgency his situation demands. This slight disconnect between the character’s dire circumstances and his on-screen demeanour at times seems to water down the film’s tension.

Liz Cha equally commits to her role as Sara Wu, delivering a performance layered with complexity and intrigue. Her portrayal keeps audiences guessing about Sara’s true intentions, adding a psychological edge to the thriller. For a greater part of the film, Sara is seen straddling the line between victim and potential conspirator. This efficiently adds to the film’s emotional stakes.

One notable aspect of ‘Mind Wave‘ is its screenplay, which, while generally engaging, makes a few questionable choices. For instance, all dialogue is presented in English, including scenes set in China. I feel incorporating Chinese dialogue in these moments could have added authenticity and heightened the intensity of those sequences. This oversight, while not fatal, feels like a missed opportunity to deepen the film’s cultural resonance.

Also, thematically, ‘Mind Wave‘ poses a profound question. When faced with the choice between your country’s values and the universal fight for freedom, where do you draw the line? This moral dilemma lies at the heart of the narrative, elevating it beyond a straightforward thriller. The film also highlights the role of governments in balancing internet security with citizens’ freedoms. While the story is fictional it explores timely issues that make it relatable for viewers of diverse backgrounds.

Visually, ‘Mind Wave‘ employs a clean, minimalist aesthetic that reflects its indie roots. The cinematography and editing are functional and work for this film though they lack the polish and flair of higher-budget productions. Nevertheless, the film’s story-driven approach compensates for these limitations, keeping viewers invested in Clint’s journey.

In many ways, this is an ambitious indie thriller that tackles complex themes with sincerity and thoughtfulness. While it falls short in some areas, such as character urgency and linguistic authenticity, it explores pressing issues like government control, cyber security, and personal freedom. The choice to make this film is timely and resonant.

I will score this film 6.5/10. It may not redefine the genre, but it tells a complete story that is enough to spark conversations about its themes and subject matter which are all vital and conversation-worthy.