User reviews

Nothing stands out, mediocre everything, starting with the story. The actors were not bad, perhaps with a better story and directing they might show more talent. Directing reflected the overall tone- dark to hide inefficiencies, muted conflicts and watered down sex, mischievousness nought. Didn't care much about this movie that ended with a yawn.

I have to admit my expectations were not all that high when I selected MM on Amazon Prime late one night. Boy, was I in for a surprise. The story involves the states of mind and relationships intertwined between two very different yet similarly conflicted women. One is an exotic dancer with much baggage, while the other is a housewife with disappointments and conflicts with her marriage. They two meet via a shared circle of friends and go on to have a brief tryst which changes both of their lives. The acting is professional and well done, and I give a particular nod to Tera Patrick who does a very credible job of playing the strip-club manager.

The atmosphere in Madhouse Mecca is like a character onto itself. Moody and uncomfortable, it gets under your skin. Good character development as well. Certainly not an uplifting story...but still makes you want more!

I really enjoyed the dark atmosphere and camera work done by the film makers. Director did a great job capturing the characters emotions and state of mind. Very much enjoyed the film. Great job!

Well-written, well-directed film about the angst we all feel in traversing modern relationships. Who are we? What brings us content? How much can we give of ourselves? What are our relationship parameters ... and do we even have any? Madhouse Mecca provides an Indie-styled, cinematic and thoughtful glance into Americana that will leave you ruminating and asking, what would I do?

An alluring threesome almost breaks the bones of marriage between the protagonists.

On the similar theme of dormant psycho sexual thrill I recall THE HUNGER: THE PERFECT COUPLE (2000) The use of subtle colous adds to surrealism and imparts dreamlike atmosphere to brittle human relationships.

This film had my attention from beginning to end. I wanted more. What happens next? Kids? Divorce? Another try at a love triangle? If you haven't seen it yet check it out. True life stuff.

The movie spends a lot of time establishing the central characters of Lena and Sara. The exposition feels even longer than it actually is as we get a rather complete image of their substantial personal difficulties: marital, financial, professional, social, and otherwise. To the credit of stars Kristina Ellery and Erica Jenkins, they make the two women believable and sympathetic with natural, unembellished performances; it quite feels as though we could be watching a non-fiction story play out. Though less prevalent, this is true as well for other cast members like Scott Evans, charming and supportive as Greg; Tony Denman, troubled and beleaguered as Jarrod; and David Keith, in a small, warm role as Lena's father. Factor in a low-key tone - cemented with a minimized and sparing score - and a narrative that's more of a portrait than a tale, and 'Madhouse Mecca' really feels like a slice of life.

With that slant in mind, the screenplay conjured between director Leonardo Warner and co-writer Owen Palmiotti is oddly endearing and absorbing. Every passing moment carries a strong sense of earnestness and authenticity as troubles lead to a chance meeting, and a subsequent friendship puts lives on a collision course. For all the drama at play, and a couple particularly invigorating scenes, there's not really a crescendo. For all the scenes set at the strip club, we don't see any gratuitous nudity (no especial nudity at all, in fact), and in a refreshing change from a common trope, the club is depicted not as a seedy den of iniquity, but as a place for women to work, feel empowered, and join a found family. For as much as early plot development sets up a profound spark between Lena and Sara, that spark is given its due and nothing more, with favor for the plainspoken, uncomplicated profile of two women at an instant in time that the feature has been building from the start.

All told, technical aspects of 'Madhouse Mecca' are very suitable, and details like hair, makeup, and costume design are on point. But these aren't terribly important in a movie that is so concretely about its characters more than anything else. It's quiet, subdued, and unbothered by conventional storytelling notions like excitement, suspense, thrills. We get definite tension, but only as a reflection of the personal and interpersonal turmoil experienced by the characters, and portrayed so flawlessly by the cast. Suffice to say that any viewer looking for a popcorn flick should look elsewhere; this is a picture for those who are receptive to the most painstakingly downplayed, unmoved features. And with that caveat noted, anyone open to the type of film 'Madhouse Mecca' represents will surely find it entrancing, satisfying - and even rewarding. This is unquestionably made for a niche audience, but with that focus comes a fantastic movie-going experience. Highly recommended!

A good watch, especially appreciated Tony Denman's performance.