As a seasoned film enthusiast who has journeyed through the cosmos of cinematic experiences, I can confidently say that “U Are the Universe” is a rare gem that stands out among the myriad space odysseys. The film’s unique blend of compassionate love story and futuristic setting is a testament to the enduring power of human emotions in even the most extraordinary circumstances.
As a movie aficionado, I’ve seen my fair share of lone astronaut tales, with Hollywood contributing some notable ones like Alfonso Cuarón’s “Gravity” (2013) and Ridley Scott’s “The Martian” (2015). However, Ukrainian director Pavlo Ostrikov’s “U Are the Universe” stands out. Unlike its predecessors, this film is a heartfelt love story set in a futuristic backdrop. The emotions portrayed may be wrapped in the trappings of the future, but they are as timeless as humanity itself. The narrative delves into the protagonist’s quest for solace and his unexpected journey towards love, amidst the stark reality of mortality. While the themes are vast, it’s the unique circumstances presented that make this film a captivating success.
Set in an undetermined future, Ukrainian trucker Andriy Melnyk (played by Volodymyr Kravchuk) is assigned by a waste disposal firm to journey to Castillo, one of Jupiter’s moons. The specific waste he is tasked with disposing of, or the reasons for this off-world assignment, remain unclear. However, these details are immaterial for the film’s plot, as it focuses on Andriy being isolated in space, with only a robot named Maxim (voiced by Leonid Popadko) as his companion. Maxim is designed to provide humor and ensure Andriy’s survival – tasks that prove challenging when Earth suddenly vanishes, leaving Andriy as the last known life form.
In this fast-paced narrative, I find myself chuckling along with the chatty robot, who dispenses bad jokes, medications, and liquor while steering our spaceship. It appears I’m more of a passenger than a captain, simply basking in the joy and luxury of solitude. However, when the twist arrives, everything changes abruptly. Yet, “U Are the Universe” manages to keep its humorous tone. Despite being overwhelmed, I also display moments of jubilation and indifference about being the last soul alive on Earth. It’s a satisfying feeling to have achieved something no one else has, even those who once deemed me a failure back on good old planet Earth.
In a moment of whimsy, he fires off a foolish message mockingly addressing himself as “Captain Galaxy,” assuming it would go unnoticed. To his astonishment, a French astronaut, situated on Saturn, replies. It turns out, he’s not alone in the universe. Utilizing a translation software, they exchange messages. He discovers her name is Catherine (voiced by Alexia Depicker) and that she shares his fondness for playful banter. Before too long, they find themselves engaged in lengthy discussions and a sincere bond develops between them.
This film titled “U Are the Universe” is exceptional in its simplicity, as it primarily features a single character engaging in dialogues with voices from a machine. Remarkably, the dialogue sounds authentic, regardless of whether you understand Ukrainian or French – the two languages used by the characters. There’s no hint of artificiality in these conversations; they flow smoothly, sincerely, and enjoyably, covering topics ranging from everyday joys like food to profound questions about life.
The movie’s power is largely due to Kravchuk’s exceptional acting. His performance is both captivating and endearing in a unique way. He appears as an ordinary man, yet exudes such a compelling charm that he makes even the most mundane or ridiculous actions entertaining. Whether stumbling drunkenly through a dance or pouring out his heart with genuine emotion, Kravchuk keeps us spellbound.
As Andriy and Catherine grow closer, the movie takes on a deeply touching romantic tone. While it’s easy to assume that the last two people on Earth might develop feelings for each other, Ostrikov’s screenplay skillfully avoids sentimentality and instead crafts a heartfelt love story. It includes moments of discomfort and confusion, but ultimately leads to poignant emotions and a tragic, heart-wrenching conclusion – just like any great love story does. Moreover, Ostrikov manages to engage the audience visually in the love story even when one of the lovers is only heard as an ethereal voice.
This heartwarming tale at its core makes “U Are the Universe” a candidate for wider appeal. Debuted in the Discovery section of Toronto and showcased at Fantastic Fest, the movie’s unique concept already positions it as a favorite among festival-goers. However, its captivating dialogue and innovative filmmaking techniques will secure its position within the hearts of film enthusiasts beyond its initial screenings.
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2024-09-24 00:17