IMDb 8.2 2019 HD

Misdirection

Misdirection

2019
Comedy Romance
14 min NR USA
8.2 IMDB

MISDIRECTION is a queer comedy about a college freshman who falls in love with close-up magic as an escape from her unrequited crush on her roommate and obsessive-compulsive…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Carly Usdin
Starring
Vico Ortiz / Kara Royster / Erick Lopez / Jasmin Savoy Brown / Justin Willman / Jasika Nicole / Joey Millin / Kylie Sparks

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

charming quirky heartfelt relatable humorous poignant introspective sensitive engaging unique hopeful insightful

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 6, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Misdirection is a wonderfully conceived queer comedy that finds its magic in the everyday struggles of its protagonist. A college freshman's journey through unrequited love and obsessive compulsive disorder is cleverly mirrored by her growing fascination with close-up…

A
Arthur Jenkins
Apr 6, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

This queer comedy, Misdirection, attempts to weave a narrative around a college student's unrequited affections and her battle with OCD, using magic as a central theme. The concept is certainly unique, and the cast brings a commendable energy…

P
Penelope Croft
Apr 6, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Misdirection is a delightful surprise, a queer coming-of-age story that uses the art of magic as a brilliant metaphor for navigating desire and anxiety. The film's central character, a college freshman, finds an unexpected refuge in close-up magic…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Apr 6, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

As a queer comedy, Misdirection certainly delivers on its promise of humour, though its exploration of more serious themes is where it truly shines. The film's protagonist grapples with unrequited love and OCD, finding solace in the intricate…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 6, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Misdirection offers a charmingly offbeat exploration of a college freshman's turbulent inner life. The film deftly balances its queer romantic entanglements with the protagonist's struggles with OCD, finding humour and heart in both. The use of close-up magic…

FAQs

Misdirection approaches obsessive compulsive disorder not as a primary plot obstacle, but as an intrinsic part of the protagonist's experience, intertwined with her romantic desires and her search for an escape. The film uses magic as a parallel to her internal world, suggesting coping mechanisms and the desire for control. It aims to portray this aspect of her life with sensitivity within a narrative that is ultimately a comedy, offering a nuanced perspective on mental health challenges.