A Mistake

Adapted from Carl Shuker’s Ockham-shortlisted novel of the same name, Christine Jeffs’ A Mistake delves into the complexity of our healthcare system, through the personal lens of a surgical error – at once minor yet with far-reaching implications – in the workday of gifted surgeon Elizabeth Taylor (a finely-tuned performance from Elizabeth Banks). With a hard-won reputation in a male-dominated system, Elizabeth’s cool demeanour is challenged in the face of collegial mistrust, public misunderstanding, and management’s desire to scapegoat as a means of mitigating PR crises.

With a cool colour palette to match both its central character and clinical setting, Jeffs (Rain, Sunshine Cleaning) and her filmmaking team deftly apply an array of production elements to underscore the film’s narrative and character trajectories, maintaining a compelling thread of tension throughout.” ~Jacob Powell, NZIFF

“A Mistake functions as both an empathetic character study and a thoughtful examination of professional ethics, culpability and forgiveness, showing equal compassion for people on both sides of a devastating situation. It also serves as a welcome reminder of Banks’ sturdy dramatic skills.” — David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter