Quick Info
Mindhorn is such a fun oddball Brit-com that flew under the radar for most people, and honestly, it deserves a look. The movie follows a washed-up actor—Richard Thorncroft—who once starred as Mindhorn, a ridiculous 80s TV detective on the Isle of Man with a “bionic truth-seeing eye.” Now, decades later, he’s roped back into his ridiculous persona by local police to help catch a delusional murder suspect who will only speak to "Detective Mindhorn" himself.
What stood out most to me is how willing the film is to just lean into the absurdity. Julian Barratt (who co-wrote and stars) absolutely commits to Richard’s self-delusion and vanity, making him equal parts tragic and hilarious. There’s this fish-out-of-water vibe as Richard, deeply out of his depth, bumbles through outlandish scenarios with total confidence, which makes the gags land particularly well—especially when he stumbles into actual danger he’s hilariously unprepared for.
Cinematography-wise, Mindhorn has a tongue-in-cheek TV-movie look in its flashbacks, and the actual Isle of Man setting is used to comically isolated effect. The supporting cast—especially Simon Farnaby as his deranged former stunt double, and Andrea Riseborough as a no-nonsense cop—add more flavor, with everyone in on the joke but still playing it straight.
Some of the jokes (especially the ones poking at washed-up celebrities) do occasionally repeat themselves or start to feel a bit thin by the third act. The plot is mostly there to string comedic moments together rather than create genuine suspense, so don’t expect a tight mystery. But honestly, the film’s sheer silliness kept me entertained—the warmth beneath the cringe makes it rewatchable.
You’d enjoy this if cult British comedies are your thing, or you like movies that lovingly skewer showbiz egos (think Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, Alan Partridge, or Hot Fuzz, but with a uniquely retro spin). Plus, it’s just over 90 minutes, so it never overstays its welcome.
