'A Mistake' Reviews: "a slow-burning story about a tragic incident with so many tentacles affecting a small circle of human beings caught up in it"

         On September 20, 2024, Quiver Distribution releases 'A Mistake', which has received rave reviews from critics, currently holding at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the film, "Elizabeth is a gifted surgeon--the only female consultant at her hospital. But while operating on a young woman, something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of a new scheme to publicly report surgeons' performance, her colleagues begin to close ranks, and Elizabeth's life is thrown into disarray. Tough and abrasive, Elizabeth has survived and succeeded in this most demanding field. But can she survive a single mistake?" The ensemble cast includes Elizabeth Banks, Rena Owen, Simon McBurney, Mickey Sumner, and Fern Sutherland. But what did the critics say? 

        Mae Abdulbaki of Screen Rant notes, "Medical dramas can often be sensationalized and dramatic for the sake of stirring up conflict; A Mistake is anything but. Deftly written and directed by Christine Jeffs, who adapted Carl Shuker’s novel of the same name, the drama sidesteps fictional medical tropes for something that is all too real and emotional. A Mistake is thorough in examining what happens when a medical mistake occurs, and the consequences that come up because of a moment gone wrong. In doing so, Jeffs explores ethics, moral and emotional accountability with a compassionate and nuanced eye." Concluding, "More than anything, however, A Mistake is sympathetic. Liz isn’t made out to be an unfeeling villain and the patient’s parents are not antagonistic in their relentless pursuit of the truth. As Liz navigates the medical system, and the obnoxious head of surgery (Simon McBurney), she learns that her desire to protect — herself, Richard, her decision — is not as simple as the black-and-white answers that are being required of her. Even a simple truth is not an easy one, and the film understands that to face it is to actually hold oneself accountable, regardless of what’s at stake."

Photo by Vadim Babenko on Unsplash

        Brittany Patrice Witherspoon of Next Best Picture writes, "With powerhouse storytelling that results in a more than satisfying ending, “A Mistake” is emotionally gripping in all the ways a medical drama should be. The compelling nature of the narrative and character study simply cannot be denied." Adding, "As the film progresses, the story takes darker turns to mimic the human psyche under pressure, especially when he comes to Elizabeth. Her relationship with her colleagues, friends, and partner begins to suffer while she undergoes an emotional transformation, which is also new territory for her. The fallout, tragedies, and gut-wrenching outcomes may feel like theypile on too much. However, the script never feels contrived or overly dramatized. Instead, Jeffs carefully resembles the nuances of life in her storytelling and with her characters. Frank Ilfman’s score matches the intensity of the script, starting off with subtlety in the bloody opening operation and continuing with a crescendo of bleakness as the consequences of the mistake unravel."

       Pete Hammond of Deadline Hollywood Daily says, "Jeffs’ screenplay is as measured as her unflashy direction, perfect for a slow-burning story about a tragic incident with so many tentacles affecting a small circle of human beings caught up in it."

       David Rooney of Hollywood Reporter praises the film, stating, "While the movie might be too unwaveringly downbeat in tone for some audiences, A Mistake functions as both an empathetic character study and a thoughtful examination of professional ethics, culpability and forgiveness..."