MOLLI AND MAX IN THE FUTURE

Playing out in chapters, SXSW 2023 audiences meet Molli and Max, two individuals who keep running into each other over the years. Something keeps drawing these two together. The more they learn about one another, the more they realize that neither space nor time can come between them.

Zosia Mamet reached cult status with her role in GIRLS. Since then, a string of indies has kept her busy. Playing the titular role of Molli is in her sweet spot. Her take on a twelve-year emotional journey hits every note. She is quirky, fun, and fearless but maintains the emotional depth we need to care. Aristotle Athari came onto the scene as a hilarious cast member on SNL. His effortless charm and chiseled features sort of force you to stare at him. As Max, he is genuine, kind, and entirely down to earth amidst sci-fi absurdity.

The dialogue-driven film sets itself against a green-screen Tron meets comic bookish multiverse future. The visuals are a fun mixed media, old school meets new school technology feat. But don’t let that part distract you from the genre at heart. Even the jazzy piano score screams peak 80s rom-com era. The film shines brightest when Max and Molli speak directly to one another. Pushing passed all the visual fanfare, their dialogue is engaging as hell. I have to say the parody of the 2016 election is undeniably funny/horrifying/on point. It is all very creative and relatable.

Weirdly, the plot closely mirrors a beloved film starring Billy Crystal and rom-com darling Meg Ryan. From the opening scene in the car to watching television together via split-screen, even the 12-year timeline is ripped directly from When Harry Met Sally. I’m not complaining. It’s one of my favorite films of all time. MOLLI AND MAX IN THE FUTURE made me want to revisit it. If I’m being honest, the runtime feels long, but watching the evolution of a relationship with earnest intentions and a universal (pun intended) narrative will connect with SXSW 2023 audiences.