‘Mouse’ Review: ‘Saint Frances’ and ‘Ghostlight’ Filmmakers Bring Their Singular Humanity to a Coming-of-Age Tale — SkimNews
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- Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson premiere their third collaborative film 'Mouse' at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival, marking their latest exploration of intimate, character-driven storytelling.
- Katherine Mallen Kupferer stars as Minnie, a reserved high school senior nicknamed 'Mouse,' delivering a nuanced performance that contrasts with her more outgoing co-stars.
- Chloe Coleman plays Callie, Minnie’s vibrant best friend whose sudden emotional withdrawal triggers the film’s central conflict, portrayed with complexity rather than villainy.
- Sophie Okonedo portrays Helen, Callie’s mother, who forms an unexpected bond with Minnie, offering her stability during a period of personal upheaval.
- Iman Vellani appears as Kat, a video store clerk who helps Minnie navigate her emerging sexuality, adding a layer of gentle queer awakening to the narrative.
- Tara Mallen reprises her collaboration with O’Sullivan and Thompson, playing Minnie’s overworked mother and contributing to the film’s intergenerational emotional depth.
Why it matters: Independent coming-of-age stories led by women filmmakers remain underrepresented in mainstream cinema; 'Mouse' offers a quiet but powerful counter-narrative centered on emotional authenticity, female relationships, and inner resilience, resonating with audiences seeking depth over spectacle.
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