Comedy drama Mind-set to be released in Midlands cinemas and looks at the Intimacies and Problems of a Long-term Relationship

Shot in Lincoln, Mind-set is an independent feature film, which looks at the pettiness, squabbling and affection within a long-term relationship, and opens in selected cinemas in the Midlands from 24 May 2022.

The film features actor (and Midlands Movies Awards 2022 guest jury panel member) Steve Oram who is known for film roles such as Sightseers, and TV such as Dr Who, End of the F***ing World and Killing Eve. Protagonist Lucy is played by American actor Eilis Cahill and they portray a couple, Paul and Lucy, whose relationship is tested due to their insecurities and being stuck in a house together.

Lucy (Eilis Cahill) hates her dull office job and is considering having an affair with her new colleague Daniel (Peter Bankolé). Her partner Paul (Steve Oram) is a screenwriter with a tennis obsession, trying to get a project with famous actor/producer Nick Reynolds (Jason Isaacs) off the ground.

Lucy and Paul have lived together for years, and have become seemingly dysfunctional. Petty arguments about who will empty the dishwasher, the knives being in the wrong place in the cutlery drawer, or who will go to the corner shop, have become commonplace. Sometimes, cheese and beans on toast for dinner again, is not the answer, even if Paul does make it: “the special way”.

The film features cameos from Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter), and Julia Deakin (Spaced), and also has Robin Laing (Band of Brothers) and Pauline Lynch (Trainspotting) in the cast.

Writer-director Mikey Murray explains, “At its heart our film shows ordinary lives and relationships on screen, and deals with issues around mental health and depression. The film has a contemporary setting, but visually I channelled the 1960s British New Wave style, as I wanted to bring an element of ‘kitchen sink’ to the drama.”

Star Steve Oram adds, “The characters are very relatable but there is a darkness that runs throughout. I was interested in making a film that showed what real life is like. I liked the humour and pathos of it; two people living together and misfiring but trying to be affectionate.”

Full UK Screenings:

(Midlands shows in bold)

• Lincoln Everyman Cinema – Tuesday 24 May, 7.30pm
• Dundee Contemporary Arts – Saturday 11 June, 1.30pm
• Nottingham Broadway Cinema – Sunday 19 June, 12pm
• Phoenix Leicester – Wednesday 22 June, 6pm
• York City Screen – Tuesday 28 June, 7.30pm
• Brighton Duke of York’s – Thursday 7 July, 8.30pm
• London Finsbury Park Picturehouse – Thursday 14 July, 8.30pm
• Birmingham Midlands Arts Centre – Wednesday 20 July, 7.30pm
• Stirling MacRobert Arts Centre - Wednesday 27 July, 7.30pm
• Edinburgh Cameo – Thursday 28 July, 8pm

Additional screenings will be listed on: www.middlemanproductions.co.uk