Gray Matter movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Gray Matter

This Sci-Fi thriller is now streaming on HBO Max.

RATING: TV-14

LENGTH: 1 hour 27 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about Aurora, a teenager with superhuman abilities that her mom is trying to help her learn to control. She wants to live in the real world, yet her mom doesn’t think she’s ready. The movie tells us that her ability is called Psionic, which allows her to read minds and move objects.

The film was directed by Meko Winbush. Writing credits go to Philip Gelatt.

THINGS I LIKED:

The two leading ladies did a terrific job: Jessica Frances Dukes and Mia Isaac.
If you got a kick out of the popular TV show “Raising Hope”, you’ll love seeing Garret Dillahunt in this. He’s been part of award-winning ensembles of 12 Years A Slave and No Country for Old Men.
What would YOU do if you had special psychic powers? Would you do good to help others or to get riches and power?
The movie is connected to the HBO Max competition series called “Project Greenlight.” Have you ever watched that? I had never seen it before but now I’m super curious! Ben Affleck and Matt Damon produced previous seasons of the show.
There’s talk of astral projection, teleportation, and mind reading.
I love it when film titles have a double meaning. This one does. It discusses brain issues, but it also illustrates that grey matter between right and wrong.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

When two of the characters talk about plots in books, one of them says simple plots are the best. This movie’s plot is extremely simple. Some might even say boring.
The story is slow-moving.
Some audiences might wish for more action.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Profanity
Bloody deaths
We see several people die violently.

THEMES:

Choices and Consequences
Hope
Control
Memories
Morals
Truth
Mother/daughter dynamics

FUNNY LINES:

This is a serious drama.

INTERESTING LINES:

“These abilities don’t work unless you’re in control.” – Mom/Ayla (Jessica Frances Dukes)
“Life doesn’t have a plot.” – Mom/Ayla (Jessica Frances Dukes)
“Power has a way of diminishing choices.” – Mom/Ayla (Jessica Frances Dukes)
“Choices matter.” – Mom/Ayla (Jessica Frances Dukes)
“What is a human without a conscience? ” – Derek (Garret Dillahunt)
“Psionics are dangerous to live in the free world.” – Derek (Garret Dillahunt)
“I didn’t want you to see my pain. I was the weak one.” – Mom/Ayla (Jessica Frances Dukes)