SXSW 2023 review: Sci-fi rom-com ‘Molli And Max In The Future’ is universally relatable.

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.


Film Screenings

 
Mar 11, 2023
11:30am1:03pm
 
Mar 18, 2023
11:15am12:48pm
 

Credits

Director:

Michael Lukk Litwak

Executive Producer:

Jeanne Elfant Festa, Ted Geoghegan, Luke Murphy, Nicole Murphy

Producer:

Candice Kuwahara, Ben J. Murphy, Mallory Schwartz, Kate Geller, Michael Lukk Litwak

Screenwriter:

Michael Lukk Litwak

Cinematographer:

Zach Stoltzfus

Editor:

Joanna Naugle

Production Designer:

Violet Overn

Sound Designer:

Bobb Barito

Music:

Alex Winkler

Principal Cast:

Zosia Mamet, Aristotle Athari, Danny Burstein, Arturo Castro, Okieriete Onaodowan, Erin Darke, Grace Kuhlenschmidt, Michael Chernus, Aparna Nancherla, Matteo Lane

Additional Credits:

Co-Producer: Ivy Lam, Make-Up Department Head: Sarah Plata, Costume Designer: Hannah Kittel Matsuo, Visual Effects: Michael Lukk Litwak, Visual Effects: Zach Stoltzfus, Gaffer: Jesse Moritz, 1st AD: Morgan Ingari

Tribeca Festival 2021 review: ‘Werewolves Within’ will leave you howling.

Werewolves Within

SYNOPSIS:
After a proposed gas pipeline creates divisions within the small town of Beaverfield, and a snowstorm traps its residents together inside the local inn, newly arrived forest ranger FINN (Sam Richardson) and postal worker CECILY (Milana Vayntrub) must try to keep the peace and uncover the truth behind a mysterious creature that has begun terrorizing the community.

If you hate comedy, Werewolves Within is not for you. Also, if you aren’t a fan of whip-smart social commentary wrapped in a genre film about werewolves, stop reading now. Director Josh Ruben brought one of the best films to Tribeca Festival this year. Written by Mishna Wolff, the screenplay plays off the paranoia and politics of small-town USA. The pairing of Milana Vayntrub and Sam Richardson is pure comic genius. Wolff’s dialogue gives this duo a chance to shine and the audience nonstop belly laughs. In fact, this ensemble cast will blow you away. Everyone has their time to shine. Not a single actor is forgettable. This is the kind of witty banter that occurs when there is genuine chemistry between cast members. It’s so successful you’ll question whether there was improvisation on set. That’s a compliment to everyone involved with the film. The mystery aspect of Werewolves Within will keep you guessing until the very end. The practical effects perfectly progress from suggestive to full-on gagworthy. This film is so nuanced it will surprise you. Werewolves Within is the perfect reason to return to the theaters.

**In Theaters on June 25th & On Demand July 2nd**

DIRECTED BY
Josh Ruben (Scare Me, “You’re The Worst”)
WRITTEN BY
Mishna Wolff (I’m Down)
STARRING
Milana Vayntrub, Sam Richardson,
Cheyenne Jackson, Michaela Watkins, Harvey Guillen, Michael Chernus, George Basil, Sarah Burns, Catherine Curtai, Rebecca Henderson, Glenn Fleshler

Jeremy’s Review of ‘Mutual Friends’, a Rom-Com Fit for NYC

Mutual Friends posterIn a city the size of New York, with so many different personalities and the possibility for literally any situation to arise, it’s no wonder it is the setting for so many romantic comedies. Matthew WattsMutual Friends hits a lot of familiar rom-com notes, but its mumblecore-like narrative without adhering to the tenets of mumblecore (i.e. meandering pseudo-plot with simple, often improvised mundane dialogue) help sets it apart from the many others like it out there commenting on the nature of romance in today’s world. Read More →