Cosi - A Movie Review

We’re going to be in show business.

Cosi is a 1996 film. Lewis is hired to work as a drama teacher in a psychiatric hospital. At first, he is uninterested until he becomes acquainted with the patients. At request, the patients rehearse an ambitious production of Mozart’s libretto ‘Cosi fan tutte.’

In the last year, I have watched four films depicting theater’s positive impacts. This time, it takes place in a mental institution. Cosi is an impactful film. It’s another film that found its way into the museum of underrated gems. Always believe in others.

The ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, bringing depth and nuances to their roles. Ben Mendelsohn portrays Lewis, an aimless drifter with no purpose. That all changes when he embarks on this new position, which helps him understand the world better. Lewis finds value in helping others.

An assortment of actors play patients. Credits include Barry Otto, Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths, Aden Young, Jackie Weaver, and Pamela Babe. Each actor is given a chance to shine in new territories. This is also a role I have not seen Jacki Weaver in. Like her character, the patients have unique quirks, giving them more depth.

I know my superfan heart for my favorite actress Toni Collette shines through my reviews. The 90s was her breakout period. She plays a goth woman named Julia who is recovering from a drug addiction. How I didn’t know she could sing I’m not sure!

Playing a mental patient is interesting territory. I wonder what research they did. What is their story: before and during their time in the hospital? They’re here for different reasons. It’s interesting to hear their views on society.

Mental hospitals always make for interesting stories. Cosi’s production occured in and around Syndey’s Rozelle Hospital, lending authenticity to its setting.

The cinematography captures the starkness of the institution in contrast to the theater program. All the theater scenes are vibrant with exotic colors. The cinematography illustrates how we can find the light again.

Mark Joffe explores themes of hope, redemption, and theater’s therapeutic potential. He bestows humble attention to the story. His direction allows the characters' vulnerabilities and strengths to shine through, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

He also incorporates light humor into scenes. The patients make some remarks about their well-being but in comical ways. I laughed when Lewis realized he had the wrong bed when trying to wake someone up.

I recently watched Sing Sing (2023), a film with a similar storyline, except it takes place in prison. Prisons have theater programs to help reform prisoners. Theater allows us to express ourselves.

Cosi’s mental facility setting challenges viewers’ ideas and biases toward mental health facilities. These are people just like us. Some people don’t have it easy, responding to situations differently. With the right resources and people, we can find ourselves again.

Mental health has sought more attention and care since Cosi’s release. Depending on how you feel about them, mental health facilities and programs are here for a reason. Their systems have evolved now that mental health is taken more seriously.

One line spoke to me, “We’re crying out for direction.” They want someone to believe in them. All is not lost. There is still hope. Cosi is an uplifting lift. It was fun to watch all the rehearsal scenes and the big show. The climax is Cosi’s signature moment.

Cosi is touching and hopeful. Anyone who is involved in theater will like this film. It’s a mental health film we all need.