A MISTAKE
Christine Jeffs writes, directs, and produces the adaptation of the best-selling novel by Carl Shuker, A MISTAKE. The film follows Dr. Elizabeth Taylor, a teaching surgeon whose resident falters during a routine cut. The script jumps right into the case in question. The next morning’s death of the patient begins an avalanche of questions, accusations, and steering misogyny. We witness the systematic attempt at taking down a successful female surgeon who challenges power.
Elizabeth Banks starts as a confident and calming presence in the OR. Amid the chaos, Banks walks a tightrope of mothering Richard through his doubts and defending her skills and judgment. As circumstances spiral, her protective, almost cold exterior begins to crack, and mistakes manifest outside the hospital. One scene with a dog will bring you to tears and puts Banks’s character on the other side of loss. It’s a subtly powerful performance.
The cinematography, especially the quiet moments, has an emotional impact. Jeffs masterfully captures the nuance of being a woman, particularly in any position of power. Words and actions somehow have an entirely different meaning if you are female. Jeffs highlights the infuriating double standards. A MISTAKE delves into the wildly erratic medical field, the human element of playing God, and noble pursuits.
Opens in Theaters this Friday September 20 from Quiver Distribution
Based on the page-turning novel by Carl Shuker, A MISTAKE is a thrilling exploration of the dangerous ripple effects that can be triggered by a single human error.
When expert surgeon Elizabeth Taylor (Banks) makes the decision to allow her young registrar, Richard Whitehead, to take charge of one small but delicate step during a routine surgery on a very sick young woman, a mistake is made that can’t be undone. Elizabeth’s efforts to protect Richard and herself come into conflict with the desperate need for black and white answers from the patient’s parents and the hospital’s single-minded attempts to protect their reputation. A film about human fallibility, and forgiveness.
Starring three-time Emmy Award nominee Elizabeth Banks, Simon McBurney, Mickey Sumner and Rena Owen.Written, Directed & Produced by Christine Jeffs (Rain, Sylvia, Sunshine Cleaning)Produced by Matthew MetcalfeCornerstone’s Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder served as executive producers.
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