A businessman wakes up beside an ancient grist mill situated in the center of an open-air prison cell with no idea how he got there. Forced to work as a beast of burden to stay alive, he must find a way to escape before the birth of his child.
The Mill has an interesting premise but struggles to deliver on its potential. The story stays confined to one location, which could have been a great opportunity for creative cinematography, but it felt underutilized. The visuals weren’t bad, but they didn’t stand out either, which made the film feel flat. As for Lil Rel Howery, his performance seemed forced at times, almost as if he was imitating other actors, which made it hard to connect with his character.
The plot itself is painfully predictable, including its supposed twist. While the movie does manage to get its message across, it does so in the most obvious way possible, leaving little to ponder once it’s over. The score, if there was one, didn’t leave much of an impression. Oddly enough, a minor character towards the end felt more engaging than the lead, adding a small spark to an otherwise uninspired narrative. The Mill tries to make a point but stumbles over its own execution, making it a forgettable watch.
Hulu
