The tone for the indie, queer coming-of-age “Mouse” (IFC), written by Kelly O’Sullivan (and co-directed by O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson), is set in the first seconds when the words “North Little Rock, Arkansas 2002” appear onscreen. With apologies to the natives and residents of the 25th state, it’s almost a warning to the audience that there might be some scenes or dialogue that could be considered unsuitable for some viewers.
Minnie (Katherine Mallen Kupferer of “Are You There, God, It’s Me Margaret?” fame) and her best friend Callie (Chloe Coleman) have made it through the last day of their junior year of high school. Callie is popular and talented, always starring in the school’s theatrical productions directed by (possibly gay) teacher Mr. Murdaugh (out actor David Hyde Pierce). Callie, who wants a big life, dreams of getting a scholarship to Julliard and moving to New York. Her classically trained pianist mother Helen (Sophie Okenedo), also encourages and indulges Callie.
Minnie, who thinks she will have a small life, is the opposite. A good student, she is painfully shy, and lives with her single mother Barbara (Tara Mallen, Kupferer’s actual mother), who is also fostering a young boy. Walking home from her job at an indoor children’s playground, Minnie sees a crowd of people gathered in front of Callie’s. It is then that she learns that Callie lost control of her car and died when the vehicle hit a light pole.
Suddenly, Minnie’s entire world is thrown into a tailspin. She becomes increasingly combative with her mother. She is constantly being challenged by religious classmate Cara (Audrey Grace Marshall) who mistakenly insists she was Callie’s best friend, and intentionally excluded Minnie from a slide show presentation at Callie’s funeral. Her depressing work life includes cleaning up the colorful ball pit that some of the children treat like a toilet.
Three months later, at the beginning of the school year, the only place Minnie finds solace is in the company of the equally distraught Helen. She also begins to explore her sexuality with Kat (Iman Vellani), a video store clerk who goes to another high school in town. Minnie also decides to get involved in the drama club where, at Cara’s insistence, the senior cabaret will be a tribute to Callie. Helen offers to help Callie rehearse a number, “One” from “A Chorus Line,” for the production.
“Mouse” is ultimately a story about loss and grief. Okonedo’s performance is the emotional core of the movie, and she deserves recognition for giving one of the most powerful performances of the year. About 20 minutes too long, “Mouse” is still worth seeing just to watch Okonedo in action.
Rating: B-
