A Mistake (2024) by Christine Jeffs

Description: “A Mistake (2024),” directed by acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker Christine Jeffs, is a gripping medical drama that delves into the harrowing consequences of a seemingly minor surgical error. Starring Elizabeth Banks, the film portrays a gifted surgeon whose life descends into chaos when a patient’s death triggers a ruthless bureaucratic backlash and collegial mistrust, forcing her to confront themes of responsibility, accountability, and the human cost of a flawed healthcare system.

Detailed Summary: The film centers on Dr. Elizabeth Taylor (Elizabeth Banks), a highly skilled and respected surgeon, and notably the only female consultant in her department. Her life, marked by a hard-won reputation in a male-dominated field, is meticulously ordered until a routine operation takes a disastrous turn. During surgery on a young woman, a mistake occurs, potentially by a junior member of her team, which appears to contribute to the patient’s death hours later.

In the midst of a new hospital scheme focused on publicly reporting surgeons’ performance, the incident throws Elizabeth’s life into disarray. Her colleagues, initially supportive, begin to close ranks, while the bureaucratic Head of Surgery, Andrew McGrath (Simon McBurney), seems intent on holding her responsible. Elizabeth faces suspension and is treated almost as an enemy as the hospital administration prioritizes PR control over transparency. The patient’s grieving parents demand answers, but the truth is obscured by institutional self-preservation. Elizabeth’s personal life also unravels as she struggles with her conscience and faces mistrust from those closest to her, including her partner, a nurse at the hospital. Adapted from Carl Shuker’s novel, the film explores the immense pressures on healthcare staff and the ethical complexities of medical malpractice and accountability in an unforgiving system.

• Surgical Error: Gifted surgeon Elizabeth Taylor’s life is upended after a surgical mistake during an operation leads to a patient’s death.

• Institutional Backlash: The hospital administration, under pressure to publicly report performance, scapegoats Elizabeth.

• Collegial Mistrust: Her colleagues distance themselves, and her personal life begins to crumble under the weight of the investigation.

• Quest for Truth: Elizabeth grapples with her conscience and the system’s attempts to hide the truth, exploring themes of responsibility and forgiveness.

Director’s Vision: Christine Jeffs, in her first feature film since “Sunshine Cleaning” (2008), adapts Carl Shuker’s Ockham-shortlisted novel with a clear and compelling vision. Her aim is to create an empathetic character study alongside a thoughtful examination of professional ethics, culpability, and forgiveness within the healthcare system. Jeffs maintains a cool color palette to reflect both Elizabeth Taylor’s clinical setting and her initially detached demeanor, using various production elements to underscore the narrative’s tension and character trajectories. The film is designed to make audiences question where responsibility begins and ends, highlighting the complexities faced by healthcare professionals who operate under immense pressure, while also exploring universal themes of loss and the human struggle with imperfection.

• Responsibility & Accountability: The central conflict revolves around who is truly accountable for a medical error and its devastating consequences.

• Ethics in Healthcare: Explores the moral dilemmas faced by surgeons, the complexities of patient care, and the pressure for transparency versus institutional protection.

• Systemic Flaws: Critiques the bureaucratic nature of healthcare systems, the role of PR crises, and the challenges of reporting performance.

• Professional & Personal Fallout: Examines the immense psychological and emotional toll a single mistake can take on a professional and their personal relationships.

• Gender in the Workplace: Elizabeth’s status as the only female consultant highlights the additional pressures she faces in a male-dominated field.

• Forgiveness: At its core, the film delves into the themes of self-forgiveness and seeking forgiveness from others.

• Compelling & Timely Subject Matter: The film tackles the highly relevant and sensitive topic of medical malpractice and accountability, resonating with public discourse around healthcare systems.

• Strong Lead Performance: Elizabeth Banks delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Dr. Elizabeth Taylor, which has been widely praised by critics.

• Experienced Director: Christine Jeffs’ return to feature filmmaking brings her established skill in character-driven dramas and a thoughtful directorial approach.

• Source Material: Adaptation of a well-regarded novel provides a strong narrative foundation.

• Relatability: While specific to the medical field, the universal themes of making a mistake, facing consequences, and navigating blame are highly relatable.

Summary Short: Christine Jeffs’ “A Mistake (2024)” is a gripping New Zealand medical drama starring Elizabeth Banks as a skilled surgeon whose career and life unravel after a patient’s death from a surgical error. The film explores themes of responsibility, institutional bureaucracy, and personal fallout. It premiered at Tribeca and was released theatrically in September 2024, receiving generally positive reviews, particularly for Banks’ performance.

Awards and Nominations: “A Mistake (2024)” had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7, 2024. While it has received positive critical attention, no specific major awards or nominations have been widely reported as of late May 2025. It also screened at the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) in August 2024.

Critics Reception: Critical reception for “A Mistake” has been generally positive, with particular praise directed towards Elizabeth Banks’ performance.

• Positive Reviews: Critics have lauded the film as an “undeniable victory” and a “thought-provoking exploration of the field of medicine and the human side of patient care.” Banks’ portrayal of Dr. Taylor is frequently described as “very strong” and “nuanced,” capturing her character’s experience with empathy. The film is noted for being “emotionally gripping” and for its ability to communicate unspoken complexities through Banks’ performance. It’s considered a “compelling thread of tension” throughout.

• Mixed/Minor Criticisms: Some reviews acknowledge that while the drama engrosses, it might be an “imperfect drama.” A few comments noted the film’s “dry, downbeat, & depressing” tone, suggesting it might not be for everyone, and some minor critiques regarding inconsistent accents or certain medical details.

Overall Critics Reception: The film is well-regarded for its sensitive handling of a difficult subject, its strong central performance, and its insightful examination of professional ethics within a complex medical system. It’s considered a successful return to feature directing for Christine Jeffs.

• The Playlist: “As a showcase for the talent that is Elizabeth Banks, in addition to its existence as a thought-provoking exploration of the field of medicine and the human side of patient care, it’s an undeniable victory.”

• Screen Rant: “It’s a nuanced role that Banks absolutely nails, capturing Liz’s experience in a way that makes us feel all that she’s going through.”

• Variety: “This imperfect drama nevertheless engrosses in its exploration of the life-and-death complexities of the healing arts, and how what may appear a simple matter of right or wrong from the outside can be much more trickily nuanced for those actually making fateful decisions.”

• RNZ National: “Jeffs’ script and solid direction, along with Banks’ very strong performance make this a very watchable film. There’s very little action, not much plot but there’s a lot going on behind Banks’ eyes and she and Jeffs communicate what never gets spoken beautifully.”

Box Office: “A Mistake (2024)” had a limited theatrical release. As of the latest available data, its reported worldwide box office total is approximately $67,436 USD. This reflects a focused release strategy, typical for independent dramas.

Production: “A Mistake (2024)” is a New Zealand production. Christine Jeffs not only directed but also wrote the screenplay (adapted from Carl Shuker’s novel) and served as a producer and editor. The film has a runtime of 101 minutes and is in color.

• New Zealand Film Commission: (New Zealand) A key government agency supporting the New Zealand film industry.

• General Film Company: (New Zealand)

• Ingenious Media: (United Kingdom) A significant investor in film and television.

• Quiver Distribution: (North America) Acquired North American distribution rights in August 2024.

• The film also had theatrical screenings in New Zealand (e.g., at NZIFF).

• It is available on Amazon Prime Video for rent or purchase, indicating digital distribution.

Release Date on Streaming: “A Mistake (2024)” was made available for video-on-demand (VOD) and streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video in late 2024.

Theatrical Release: “A Mistake (2024)” had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7, 2024. Its general theatrical release in the United States was on September 20, 2024. It also screened at the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) in August 2024.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• For Fans of Thought-Provoking Drama: If you enjoy films that delve into complex ethical dilemmas and the human consequences of professional pressures.

• Elizabeth Banks’ Dramatic Performance: It’s a must-watch for those who want to see Banks in a powerful, nuanced dramatic role.

• Insight into Healthcare: Offers a rare and compelling look at the inner workings and systemic issues within the medical profession.

• Return of a Visionary Director: Christine Jeffs’ long-awaited return to feature filmmaking is a significant event for admirers of her previous works like “Rain” and “Sunshine Cleaning.”

• Literary Adaptation: Appeals to those who appreciate adaptations of well-regarded contemporary novels.

• To Witness a Powerful Character Study: Experience the intense emotional and psychological journey of a respected professional facing the ultimate crisis of competence and integrity.

• To Engage with Ethical Dilemmas: The film prompts important questions about responsibility, truth, and forgiveness, extending beyond the medical context.

• Support New Zealand Cinema: Contribute to the visibility of well-crafted, meaningful films from New Zealand.

• If You Like “Realistic” Drama: The film avoids melodrama, opting for a grounded, often stark portrayal of events and their aftermath.

• To Experience Tense Storytelling: Despite being a drama, the film maintains a compelling thread of tension as Elizabeth’s life unravels.

What Movie Trend Film Is Following: Contemporary Social Drama / Ethical Thriller / Female-Led Character Study: “A Mistake” aligns with the trend of modern social dramas that explore complex ethical issues within specific professional settings, akin to a legal or corporate thriller but set in the medical world. It’s a strong “female-led character study,” focusing intently on the internal and external struggles of its protagonist. Its realism and unflinching look at institutional flaws also place it within a broader trend of critical societal commentary through cinema.

What Big Social Trend Is Following: Demand for Accountability & Transparency / Mental Health in Professions / Systemic Critique: The film taps into the widespread societal demand for greater accountability and transparency from powerful institutions, particularly in public services like healthcare. It also subtly touches upon the immense mental and emotional pressures faced by professionals in high-stakes environments, a growing area of social concern. By portraying a system that seeks to protect itself, it reflects a broader cultural skepticism towards large organizations and their handling of “mistakes.”

Final Verdict: “A Mistake (2024)” marks a compelling return for Christine Jeffs, delivering a potent and timely medical drama anchored by a standout performance from Elizabeth Banks. The film’s unflinching exploration of responsibility, ethical dilemmas, and institutional pressures resonates deeply, making it more than just a typical medical procedural. While its box office footprint is small, its critical reception highlights its artistic merit and its capacity to provoke thought. It’s a valuable contribution to contemporary cinema, shedding light on the human element within a high-stakes profession.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Embrace Complex Protagonists: Allow lead characters to be flawed and face profound internal and external conflicts, as this often leads to more engaging narratives.

• Adapt Thought-Provoking Literature: Novels with strong thematic underpinnings and character studies can serve as excellent source material for screenplays.

• Focus on Subtlety: Convey emotion and tension through nuanced performances and careful cinematic choices rather than overt melodrama.

• Highlight Systemic Issues: Use specific incidents to illuminate broader societal or institutional flaws, giving the story greater relevance.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Independent Dramas: Continue to champion character-driven, ethically complex dramas that may not have blockbuster potential but offer significant artistic and social value.

• Recognize Directorial Returns: Acknowledge and support established filmmakers like Christine Jeffs who return to the craft after a hiatus, as their experience often leads to mature and impactful works.

• Promote Diverse Roles for Actors: Encourage actors known for specific genres (like comedy, in Banks’ case) to take on challenging dramatic roles, showcasing their versatility.

• Facilitate Transparent Distribution: For films tackling important social themes, ensure accessibility through VOD and streaming platforms to reach broader audiences beyond limited theatrical runs.

Final Conclusions: “A Mistake (2024)” is a powerful and critically well-received film that underscores the human stakes within the healthcare system. It’s a testament to Christine Jeffs’ directorial finesse and Elizabeth Banks’ dramatic range. The film serves as an important cinematic exploration of accountability, compassion, and the profound impact of a single error, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in dramas that provoke thought and engage with contemporary social issues.