Well-respected New Zealand filmmaker Christine Jeffs returns to the big screen after a 16-year hiatus, delivering a low-key yet smart film, A Mistake. Adapted by Jeffs from Carl Shuker's 2019 novel, the movie skilfully handles its sensitive subject, resisting the urge for sensationalism. It explores challenging aspects of human error, blame culture, and the assessment process in medicine. Though reserved in tone, A Mistake's deep thematic exploration is likely to strike a chord with streaming service audiences.
Elizabeth Taylor, played compellingly by Elizabeth Banks, is a highly esteemed surgeon at an Auckland hospital. A surgical procedure involving her student, Richard (Richard Crouchley), goes awry leading to a complicated medical situation. The operation is graphically displayed, illustrating the intense pressure and tension in the surgical environment.
The after-effects of the operation reverberate through the narrative as the patient, Lisa, dies during the night in Intensive Care. With Richard’s anxiety escalated, Liz takes it upon herself to reassure him, suggesting that the patient’s chances were slim to begin with. Her attempt to move forward becomes increasingly difficult when Lisa's parents demand answers about their young daughter's death.
Liz's decision to protect Richard by shouldering the blame leads to devastating professional and personal consequences. The public vilification that follows and the internal hospital politics puts her relationship with Robin (Mickey Sumner), her romantic partner and team member, at risk.
As the crisis intensifies, Liz's opposition to a new policy for hospital transparency further isolates her. She fears this regulation could deter skilled surgeons from operating on vulnerable patients in order to protect their reputation.
Throughout the film, Banks delivers a controlled performance that gradually reveals her character's intense emotional turmoil. A tragedy offers damage control opportunities for Andrew (Simon McBurney), the hospital's calculating head of surgery. However, Liz refuses to let anyone else shoulder the blame for her judgment error.
A Mistake navigates both the personal fallout from a professional mistake and broader themes of ethics, responsibility, and forgiveness in healthcare. Elizabeth Banks' compelling performance underscores the film's strength as a character study. It’s a nuanced exploration of the human aspect of medical errors, accepting responsibility, and weathering professional scrutiny while illustrating Banks’ dramatic prowess.
