The Mysterious Mister X: A Castle Mystery That Barely Stays Awake

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, only if you are in the mood for something that feels like a rainy Sunday afternoon stuck in a library. It is not for the person who needs constant action. You will probably hate this if you get annoyed by characters who make bad choices just to keep the movie going.

The whole thing takes place in this castle that looks like it has never seen a cleaning crew in its life. There’s a lot of walking. Like, so much walking through dark corridors.

Curt Ackermann carries himself like he’s trying to solve a puzzle that isn't really there. The way he enters a room is just... funny. It’s like he’s expecting the furniture to jump him.

Odd moments and observations

• There is a scene where a curtain moves, and I’m pretty sure it was just a draft. But the music treats it like a murder is happening.
• The dialogue is stiff. Everyone talks like they are reading a list of instructions for building a bookshelf.
• I spent about ten minutes wondering why nobody just turned on a brighter lamp. Seriously, the lighting guy must have been on a budget.

It reminds me a bit of the atmosphere in The Cat and the Fiddle, but stripped of any real charm. It feels like a stage play that someone forgot to take off the stage.

The "Mister X" character is built up as this big, scary phantom. When he finally shows up, it’s mostly just a guy in a coat standing in a doorway. It’s almost charming how underwhelming it is.

There’s no real bite to the mystery. You know exactly where it’s going by the second act. But sometimes it’s nice to watch something that doesn't demand you think too hard. It’s just people in suits acting worried in a big house.

I found myself looking at the background props more than the actors. Some of those paintings look like they were drawn by a tired art student. 🎨

It’s not a masterpiece, and it doesn't try to be. It’s just a movie about a guy in a castle. Sometimes that’s enough, I guess. Or maybe it isn't. You decide.