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“Relax, I’m from the Future” delves into the clash between nihilism and optimism, using its characters to spark insightful conversations on activism and purpose. The film’s comedy benefits from a deliberate pace that allows jokes to develop, but the meandering structure and lack of sharpness in humor hinder its full impact. While the visual style employs split screens and stylized design effectively to convey playfulness and reveal characters’ lives, the editing style feels underutilized, missing opportunities for more creativity. Despite its sweetness, the sci-fi comedy lacks substance.
The movie follows Casper, played by Rhys Darby, a man from the future with a plan who disrupts the timeline upon arriving in the present. Joined by supporting cast members Gabrielle Graham, Julian Richings, and Janine Theriault, Casper’s actions attract the attention of Doris, a guardian from the future.
Luke Higginson, the film’s writer, director, and editor, keeps the cast and crew tight, possibly due to budget constraints, resulting in a movie that feels carefully crafted. “Relax, I’m from the Future” is described as kind and gentle, with an uplifting narrative. However, the film’s lack of a cutting edge diminishes the impact of its comedy and emotion, leaving it well-intentioned but somewhat incomplete.
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Nihilism Vs Optimism
“At its core, ‘Relax, I’m from the Future’ explores the clash between nihilism and optimism. Holly, a retired activist, expresses a reluctance to engage in meaningful pursuits, a sentiment echoed by other characters like Percy and Doris. In contrast, Casper embodies optimism and faith in his mysterious plan. Holly’s narrative parallels that of Joy in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once,’ both being queer women of color searching for purpose, despite being written by heterosexual men. While not problematic, this coincidence prompts reflection on the portrayal of women characters historically.
Holly’s story delves into discussions about performative activism in the modern age, questioning the authenticity and impact of people’s actions. The film raises concerns about the blurred lines between genuine commitment and mere spectacle in a world where everything is documented. The narrative avoids demonizing either perspective, presenting these existential questions without promoting complacency or apathy. ‘Relax, I’m from the Future’ offers a gentle exploration of these themes, allowing the audience to contemplate the complexities of purpose and meaning.”
Aimless Characters, Aimless Structure
In Relax, I’m from the Future, the comedy stands out by deviating from the trend of rapid-fire jokes seen in many current films, allowing moments to breathe and build humor. An example is Casper’s attempt to prove he’s from the future, creating anticipation for a strange event. The extended wait time adds comedic value, with Casper’s failed countdown contributing to the humor.
However, the film’s meandering pace and structure have drawbacks. The gentle filmmaking approach, while offering slower narratives, doesn’t always contribute meaningfully. There’s an abundance of time dedicated to Casper’s silly and “wholesome” moments that don’t significantly enhance the movie. While slower narratives can succeed with impactful quiet moments, examples like Moonlight and The Shape of Water demonstrate the need for substance.
The final act of Relax, I’m from the Future feels more like a setup than a conclusion. The preceding waiting game makes the climax seem like the beginning of the real action. The aftermath of the climax could have made for a more engaging movie, exploring how characters react to their changed circumstances. Missed opportunities in the final section could have sparked intriguing questions about decision-making in the face of foreknowledge.
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Style That Speaks
The pacing of “Relax, I’m from the Future” has both positive and negative moments, mirroring its meandering nature. The film’s visual style is noteworthy, incorporating split screens, character title cards, and stylized costume and production design effectively. These elements convey a sense of playfulness, with the costumes and sets offering subtle insights into the characters’ lives. For instance, the vibrant purple suit in the opening scene and the clinical atmosphere of Doris’ home contribute to the overall well-thought-out design.
However, the film falls short in terms of its editing style. While the use of split screens is a good starting point, it seems that the director, Higginson, only scratches the surface of the movie’s visual potential. The editing lacks a more committed approach, and there’s a sense that the film could have benefited from a deeper exploration of creative possibilities. Drawing a parallel to “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World,” which had a more stylized approach rooted in its comic book origins, serves as an example of how “Relax, I’m from the Future” might have achieved a more imaginative and visually engaging outcome with a touch more creativity.
Sweetness Over Substance
The core dynamic between Casper and Holly is undeniably heartwarming, marked by a refreshing sense of freedom to be silly and carefree together. Despite their differences, their connection feels authentic, evolving and maturing organically throughout the movie. This authenticity adds depth to their relationship, avoiding the trap of feeling forced for the sake of the plot.
The film effectively conveys a positive message about the importance of human connection, taking initiative, and maintaining optimism. It tackles the challenging paradox of depression, highlighting the struggle to find motivation when it’s precisely what’s needed to combat the condition. By portraying the value of relationships, connection, and proactive behavior, the movie serves as an inspiring tool.
On the flip side, “Relax, I’m from the Future” falls short in fully realizing its potential across various elements like humor, storytelling, style, and themes. It lacks the punch of laugh-out-loud moments, deeply emotional story arcs, and thrilling or surprising moments. The critique suggests that the film could have had a more profound impact if it had pushed these aspects a bit further. It seems that the filmmaker, Higginson, may have struggled with the very challenges he sought to address—making something genuinely meaningful felt like too much effort, echoing sentiments expressed by the character Holly in the movie.
Distributed by Blue Fox Entertainment, the film is set to release on video on demand and digital platforms on November 28. For those interested, a behind-the-scenes featurette is also available for viewing.
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