The series "Project Greenlight," known for celebrating emerging directors, made a return after being off the air for eight years. This season, exclusively aired on Max, focuses on the budding directorial talent of Meko Winbush. As she embarks on the challenging journey of shaping the sci-fi horror-thriller "Gray Matter", Winbush receives guidance from the talented trio of Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, and Gina Prince-Bythewood. These new mentors fill the shoes left by the series' original champions, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. While the series presents an intimate view into Winbush's trials and tribulations, especially with a standout cast of Mia Isaac, Jessica Frances Dukes, and Garret Dillahunt, the film itself oscillates between impressive acting and a storyline that occasionally feels insubstantial.
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At the onset, viewers are introduced to Ayla, portrayed by Dukes. In a gripping scene set against the backdrop of explosives and imminent police intervention, she shows her uncanny telepathic abilities. A swift transition takes us fifteen years forward. It places a spotlight on Ayla's intense relationship with her teenage daughter, Aurora (enacted by Isaac). The latter mirrors her mother's rare psionic capabilities. Amidst recurring cryptic warnings from Ayla about the ever-elusive "they" who might pose a danger, Aurora manages to cultivate a clandestine friendship with Isaiah (Andrew Liner). However, a turbulent event catalyzed by Aurora's untamed psychic forces inadvertently draws the attention of the ever-eerie Derek, a character brought chillingly to life by the seasoned Garret Dillahunt.
The dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship, brought vividly to the screen by Isaac and Dukes, is the narrative's cornerstone. However, the story often veers towards well-trodden paths of melodrama, which arguably limits its potential to truly soar. As highlighted in the introductory episode of "Project Greenlight", mentors pointed out certain inadequacies in the script, suggesting revisions. Winbush, however, chose to remain steadfastly loyal to the original blueprint. The consequence of this decision is palpable in the final product: a narrative yearning for richer layers and greater depth. Issa Rae's laudable ambition was to amplify the directorial voice of a woman of color. But, the resultant film seemingly falls short in capturing a genuinely unique essence that resonates with this vision.
The script of "Gray Matter", a product of Catchlight Productions - an extension of Blumhouse, carries imprints of its parent studio. While Blumhouse has etched its mark with blockbuster successes such as "Get Out" and "The Invisible Man" remake, it also occasionally ventures into more generic genre films tailored for streaming platforms. Unfortunately, "Gray Matter" seems to align more with the latter category. Winbush's adeptness in visual storytelling and maintaining a consistent narrative tone shines through. However, the intriguing premise of characters navigating the blurred lines between reality and memories remains somewhat underexplored. Viewers seeking a deeper subtext or metaphorical undertones might find their quests unfulfilled.
In conclusion, "Gray Matter", despite its commendable direction, may linger in audiences' memories more for the behind-the-scenes story it represents rather than its on-screen narrative.
