A Sci-Fi Comedy with a Heart: Exploring “Relax, I’m from the Future”
“Relax, I’m from the Future” brings a unique blend of sci-fi and comedy to the silver screen. Directed by Luke Higginson, this feature-length directorial debut stars Rhys Darby as Casper, a time traveler from the future who promises a life of easy income to Holly, played by Gabrielle Graham. As Casper’s time-traveling escapades unfold, they inadvertently set off a chain of events that could disrupt the world’s timeline, drawing the attention of timeline guardian Doris, played by Janine Theriault.
“Unfortunately, Casper’s time travel sets off a series of events that will cause trouble in the world’s timeline.”
Balancing Budget and Creativity
Despite possible budget constraints, “Relax, I’m from the Future” stands out as a film made with meticulous care. This attention to detail is evident throughout the movie, both in its narrative and technical aspects.
“Careful is a perfect descriptor for ‘Relax,’ in all senses of the word. It’s evidently a product of a lot of thought and care.”
Kindness versus Comedy: The Film’s Dual Nature
The film is described as kind and gentle, offering an uplifting narrative. However, this tenderness comes at the cost of a comedic edge, leaving the humor and emotional beats feeling somewhat subdued.
“In the end, it’s hard to fault something for being too well-intentioned, but there is undeniably something missing from this tentative comedy.”
Nihilism Vs. Optimism: The Core of “Relax, I’m from the Future”
The Battle of Ideologies
At its core, the movie is a narrative battle between nihilism and optimism. Characters like Holly and Percy represent a sense of despair and futility, while Casper embodies unwavering optimism.
“It feels like way too much work to do something that actually matters.” – Holly
Representation and Character Analysis
Holly’s character, reminiscent of Joy from “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” raises intriguing discussions about the role and nature of modern-day activism. The film’s gentle approach allows for a nuanced exploration of these themes without casting judgment.
“Holly’s character also provides interesting discussions on the potentially performative nature of modern-day activism.”
Film Structure and Style: The Strengths and Weaknesses of “Relax, I’m from the Future”
Comedy with Breathing Space
One of the film’s strengths lies in its comedic timing, allowing jokes to develop organically rather than rushing punchlines. This approach contrasts sharply with the fast-paced humor prevalent in many contemporary comedies.
“When the current popular approach to comedy is to have a joke a minute… it’s wonderfully enjoyable to have a slower pace.”
The Downside of a Meandering Pace
While the slow narrative pace is a strength, it also becomes a weakness, leading to a lack of emotional depth and excitement. The final act of the movie, in particular, feels more like a setup than a conclusion.
“Most significantly, without giving too much away, ‘Relax, I’m from the Future’s’ final act feels like a better set-up for a story than it does a conclusion.”
The Visual Language of “Relax, I’m from the Future”
Creativity in Visual Storytelling
The film’s visual style, including the use of split screens and character title cards, adds a layer of creativity to the storytelling. The production and costume design provide a wealth of unspoken information about the characters.
“From the opening scene… the design of the movie is well thought through.”
Editing: A Missed Opportunity
Despite these strengths, the editing style of “Relax, I’m from the Future” suggests untapped potential. The film could have benefited from a more committed and imaginative approach to its visual storytelling.
“Unfortunately, though, when it comes to the editing style, it feels as though Higginson has just scratched the surface.”
Sweetness Over Substance: The Central Relationship and Message
The Heart of the Film: Casper and Holly
The film’s central relationship between Casper and Holly is portrayed as natural and organic, showcasing the positive effects of connection and growth.
“There is a freedom to be loose and ridiculous together that is nice to watch…”
The Underlying Message: Optimism and Action
“Relax, I’m from the Future” champions the value of connection and optimism. However, it stops short of fully exploring its themes, resulting in a film that is sweet but lacks substantial depth.
“For ‘Relax, I’m from the Future,’ the issue lies in its inability to take the final step in almost every aspect of its makeup.”
“Relax, I’m from the Future” is set for release on video on demand and digital platforms on November 28. The film, distributed by Blue Fox Entertainment, offers viewers a chance to reflect on the significance of intention and action in a world where the lines between performance and authenticity are increasingly blurred.
