Written and directed by Trevor Anderson, co-written by Fish Griwkowsky, 1987: While the other students wonder if new kid Robin is a boy or a girl, Robin forges a complicated bond with the school bully, making increasingly dangerous choices to fit in. Starring: Vaughan Murraem, Dominic Lippa, Lacey Oake, Shannon Blanchet, Matthew Rankin, Rohan Khare, Jhztyn Contado and Milana Bochinska.
Approaching the topic of gender identity and fluidity within a 1980s lens was a great idea, to approach its place in a world still very much stuck in a traditional realm. However, while it certainly has a part to play, it never feels like Before I Change My Mind delves very deep. Instead getting caught up in an extremely familiar tale of unrequited affection and the timidity and impulsiveness of youth.
You can feel that Trevor Anderson is attempting to build the kind of atmosphere that would befit your typical theatre kid but it doesn’t quite come together. For a family focused comedy drama it works well, there’s a solid foundation and easy to follow characters but it’s missing something to elevate it further. It tends to use a lot of flashbacks and extend scenes where it’s not necessary, slowing things down and adding some unresolved threads to its story. As well as hitting upon the stereotypical bully notes.
Vaughan Murraem does a great job as Robin, encompassing the film’s exploration of gender really well and with subtlety. Murraem brings a big sensitivity to Robin, wanting to impress but also a responsible, kind kid. Dominic Lippa gives Carter all the typical latch-key kid qualities, there’s a brokenness to him, coming from so much time by himself and driving his need to act out. Yet, the two of them create a touching friendship, both complicated and improved by the presence of Lacey Oake’s Izzy. She gives her a caring, surprisingly mature quality which is charming to watch.
Before I Change My Mind had a great concept to do something different but ultimately ends up feeling a lot like many films we’ve seen before. There’s a lot of young talent on display, the cast all give great, natural and enjoyable performances. Anderson’s direction is solid but the attempt to build something bigger or deeper unfortunately goes unfulfilled. It’s a sweet film with plenty to offer, just not as much as you might have hoped.
FilmCarnage.com 