2015: Future Uncertain

A sci-fi comedy feature written and directed by Justin Miller and starring Matthew Schmid, Alyssa Truszkowski, Zachary Uzupis and Samantha Russell.

 

In 1968, a supernova created heatwaves so powerful that they stopped the planet's gravitated rotation. Now the year is 2015 and humanity is living with the consequences of this incident: there is never any night-time anymore and the atmosphere has become so heated that, in order to prevent their bodies from being overheated, people must frequently change their skin with what is referred to as a ''skin sack''. This process can also result in changing their sex. The protagonist is Leonard, a former space commander who is now living by himself in a cabin in the woods, where he works as an oral navigator, directing drivers to their destination via the equipment he has in his home. One day, a distressed stranger arrives at his place and passes away as he did not change his skin when required. Leonard discovers a bizarre note that the man had on him about a project named ''Future Uncertain''. Believing that a serious catastrophe is going to take place, he becomes determined to find out what it will be and prevent it.

 

This black-and-white feature effectively presents a post-apocalyptic world: in order to avoid death, people must constantly wear a helmet and some sort of special clothing that prevents their bodies from overheating. Their behaviour has also changed, with them interacting with each other in ways that would make one think of some of David Lynch's films. And their current food consists solely of kiwifruit as it is the only edible substance that was not affected by the supernova. Regarding the plot, it is in the likes of a-person-discovers-that-a-terrible-incident-is-going-to-take-place-and-tries-to-stop-it, and as he attempts to do so, Leonard interacts with other characters that include Commissioner Ralph (played by Alejandro Morales and Melanie Rosedale) and Detective Condor (Darryl Charles) and also a device called ''Human Computer'' that operates like a Virtual Reality interface, requiring a headset. There is mystery, there is humour, there are interesting sound effects and music and things turn sinister with the appearance of robots.

 

As the story takes place in a world where humans need to regularly change their skin and therefore their physical appearance, the character of Leonard is played by a number of actors (three actually), and they are Schmid, Truszkowski and Uzupis. This is an interesting concept that adds a sort body swap element to the story and (in some ways) makes Leonard into numerous characters. Although Truszkowski does a decent job, it is Schmid and Uzupi that stand out with their over-the-top performances, creating a surreal character who speaks awkwardly and has a unique way of walking. Russell also stands out as Leonard's former secretary, a friendly woman who behaves like him. Generally, the acting combined with the awkward dialogue creates a surreal atmosphere.

 

The story is a commentary about mental health and isolation. It also explores themes involving courage, space exploration and contemplating the future.

 

A post-apocalyptic sci-fi feature that seems to pay homage to Science Fiction films of the 1950s. It deserves attention as it provides an interesting way to experience sci-fi cinema.