Jagged Mind 2023

Billie and Christine share an intimate moment, but the aftermath leaves Billie reeling. As she awakens the following morning, her mind is haunted by disturbing images that linger from her dreams, only to find that Christine has inexplicably vanished. In an attempt to reconcile her feelings, she reaches out to her friend, Kim, expressing her doubts about Christine’s erratic behavior throughout their relationship. Kim, however, remains skeptical about Billie’s continued connection with Christine, who has caused her pain in the past. She also inquires if Billie has been diligent with her memory exercises, revealing a deeper concern — Billie is grappling with memory loss.

During a morning run, Billie encounters a mysterious stranger at a street corner, leaving her in a daze. Suddenly, the world around her shifts, transporting her to a dimly lit bar where she meets Alex, who offers her a drink. Engaging in a casual conversation, Billie confides in Alex about her troubling memory blackouts, suspecting they are tied to her family’s history of dementia. Their dialogue touches upon the layers of Billie’s struggle, but she eventually departs for work.

At the art gallery, Billie is set to curate an exhibition honoring the works of Haitian artist Rose Porter, who is also hosting the event. There’s an unsettling allure to Rose’s self-portrait that captivates Billie. Following the exhibition, Christine approaches Billie, noticing a small cut on her skin, yet Billie cannot recall how it came to be. Their passionate moment turns sour as Billie experiences another blackout.

Each subsequent encounter at the bar with Alex feels eerily familiar, deepening Billie’s confusion as the cycle of memory lapses continues. During an after-party, she spots Rose and tries to converse with her, but their exchange is abruptly interrupted by Christine’s arrival. Seeking a reprieve from the relentless cycle, Billie and Christine retreat to a restroom, where passion ignites but is again overshadowed by another blackout.

Waking up at the bar for the third time, this time Billie invites Alex to join her at the exhibition. However, intrigue ensues when one of Billie’s colleagues points out that Christine was absent from the event. As Billie searches for Rose, she finds Alex blocking her path, but Rose catches a glimpse of Billie and Alex together. That night, they retreat to Alex’s apartment, leading to a romantic encounter that appears to cement their connection.

Yet, the façade of bliss begins to crumble when Alex’s temper flares over trivial matters, casting a shadow over their relationship. Once again, Billie slips into unconsciousness amidst the chaos only to awaken in a serene environment. The tension escalates as Billie observes disturbing behaviors from Alex, culminating in her finding Alex collecting blood in a vial — a chilling revelation.

Their relationship reaches a milestone as they celebrate six months together at an upscale restaurant. But Alex’s jealousy over Billie’s friendship with Kim stirs discord; insults are exchanged, and once again, another blackout befalls Billie, who wakes to find Alex seemingly unbothered by the earlier confrontation.

Despite the rising tension, Kim invites both Billie and Alex to her son Jake’s birthday party. The events take a dark turn when Jake injures himself, and while Billie cares for him, Alex manipulates Kim, sowing distrust between the friends. This manipulation leads Kim to confront Billie with misplaced anger, as Alex further distorts the truth.

Soon, Billie finds herself waking in a hospital, grappling with the question of whether Alex’s intentions are genuinely caring. Their shadows loom larger as Alex insists on moving in together, igniting doubt within Billie. A confrontation with Kim reveals Alex’s lies, straining their bond even further.

As Billie sifts through her belongings, a postcard bearing Rose’s portrait catches her eye with the word “Remember” inscribed upon it. Its unsettling presence alarms Alex, leading to a hasty exit. Intrigued, Billie investigates further, uncovering disturbing truths online about Alex’s past with Rose. A visit to Rose’s studio uncovers the artist’s lifeless body, an eerie testament to the horrors entwined with Alex.

In the wooden container left behind, Billie discovers haunting photographs of Christine, her own name tied to sinister secrets, and a video recording revealing the chilling reality that Alex possesses a magical crystal allowing her to manipulate time at will — a revelation of Alex’s obsessive and malevolent nature. Billie learns of Rose’s prior attempts to confront Alex to halt the cycle of violence, embodying a warning for Billie.

Reviving the memories of the anguish she’s experienced, Billie uncovers evidence of Alex’s repeated attempts to erase her existence through time manipulation. The mounting tension becomes unbearable as Alex prowls to regain control over Billie once again. In a dramatic climax at Alex’s family beach house, Billie seizes the crystal, fueling her with newfound resolve to break the cycle.

In the throes of conflict, Billie learns of Alex’s prior strategies and attempts to claim her life. In an emotionally charged confrontation, Billie attacks and regains her precious crystal, preparing to rewrite her fate at last.

Ultimately, Billie returns to Papa Juste’s sanctum, only to discover the wooden box is empty, a symbol of her journey to overcome the trials history has etched into her heart. At the bar, she encounters Alex once more, who offers her another drink; however, this time, Billie stands firm in her rejection, declaring freedom from the toxic cycle. With the crystal safeguarded, Billie gazes upon Rose Porter’s self-portrait, now holding an aura of hope amidst its formerly foreboding hues, signifying a poignant rebirth from shadows into light.