This is classical science fiction, in the sense of showing how humans would interrelate in a world circumstance that is different from ours. It's not about *how* or *why* the world became what it became in Speed of Life's 2040; focusing on that would be missing the point entirely.
It's about how Ann Dowd's character June has advanced in age without truly letting go of a relationship that ended suddenly and inexplicably, and then resumed just as suddenly and inexplicably. Dowd is one of these Kathy Bates-type actresses who can convey very complex thoughts and emotions in exceptionally subtle ways. Paying attention to her manner and expression is very rewarding, providing deep insight without condescending explanations.
Conversely, Ray Santiago's Edward was never given a *chance* to develop. Even with the acknowledgement in the film that it's not his fault, I'm pretty sure a lot of women will be able to relate to a lot of the conflicts (and perverse appeal!) of navigating a relationship with a man who hasn't evolved at all.
Edward has to navigate a situation that has changed in baffling ways all around him; the best parts of his experience are the ones where he's dealing with the unexplained changes, and it's done with gentle humor and poignancy. In fact, the moments where things *are* plainly explained almost serve more as a vehicle to slip in subtle David Bowie references.
Speaking of whom: IMDB's one-line description of the film "Storyline dealing with the late musician, David Bowie" could hardly be more misleading or less accurate. Bowie fans will certainly appreciate the premise; given the tremendous worldwide outpouring of grief at his death in early 2016, it's certainly believable that it might have ripped a hole in the universe. But that's certainly not what this movie is about.
My only real criticism concerns the subplot with Samuel's daughter. It's never quite woven properly back into the main thread of the story, and the connection between the stories is a little too abstract to be gleaned in one viewing.
It's about how Ann Dowd's character June has advanced in age without truly letting go of a relationship that ended suddenly and inexplicably, and then resumed just as suddenly and inexplicably. Dowd is one of these Kathy Bates-type actresses who can convey very complex thoughts and emotions in exceptionally subtle ways. Paying attention to her manner and expression is very rewarding, providing deep insight without condescending explanations.
Conversely, Ray Santiago's Edward was never given a *chance* to develop. Even with the acknowledgement in the film that it's not his fault, I'm pretty sure a lot of women will be able to relate to a lot of the conflicts (and perverse appeal!) of navigating a relationship with a man who hasn't evolved at all.
Edward has to navigate a situation that has changed in baffling ways all around him; the best parts of his experience are the ones where he's dealing with the unexplained changes, and it's done with gentle humor and poignancy. In fact, the moments where things *are* plainly explained almost serve more as a vehicle to slip in subtle David Bowie references.
Speaking of whom: IMDB's one-line description of the film "Storyline dealing with the late musician, David Bowie" could hardly be more misleading or less accurate. Bowie fans will certainly appreciate the premise; given the tremendous worldwide outpouring of grief at his death in early 2016, it's certainly believable that it might have ripped a hole in the universe. But that's certainly not what this movie is about.
My only real criticism concerns the subplot with Samuel's daughter. It's never quite woven properly back into the main thread of the story, and the connection between the stories is a little too abstract to be gleaned in one viewing.