It's unusual to encounter a film as unbelievable, scattered, and rambling as director William Oldroyd’s follow-up to his earlier success, “Lady Macbeth.” Following that promising first work, he seems to have lost his way with this latest attempt, advertised as a psychological mystery/thriller that fails to gain momentum but still manages to veer dramatically off course toward the end. The film explores the connection…

Thomasin McKenzie delivers a noteworthy performance as the central character, a reserved prison secretary whose existence feels rather ordinary. Her days involve observing other employees’ romantic encounters and daydreaming about brief affairs before returning to her home with her father, a retired police officer struggling with alcoholism. The introduction of psychologist Rebecca, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, brings…