U Are the Universe

In U Are the Universe, Ukrainian filmmaker Pavlo Ostrikov takes the well-known story of the last man on Earth and reimagines it as a profoundly humanist tale of connection, resilience and love in the context of a shattered Earth. This debut feature blends science fiction, romance and a touch of existential comedy to create a story that is both poignant and refreshingly authentic. Volodymyr Kravchuk's performance as Andriy Melnyk, a Ukrainian space trucker stranded in the vacuum of space, anchors the film with charm, vulnerability and a sense of humanity that resonates long after the credits roll.

The film opens with Andriy on a routine mission to transport nuclear waste to Callisto, a moon of Jupiter. His only companion is Maxim, a one-armed robot played with cheerful irony by Leonid Popadko. The setting is an amalgam of retro-futuristic aesthetics - creaky, weathered and tactile, a far cry from the slick sterility of mainstream science fiction. While Andriy leads a mundane existence in space, his life takes a radical turn when Earth inexplicably explodes. What follows is a story that balances the crushing isolation of humanity's sole survivor with unexpected moments of levity and hope, as Andriy discovers that he may not be as alone as he thought.

U Are the Universe is a love story framed by the immense solitude of space. When Andriy receives a distress signal from Catherine, a French astronaut played by Alexia Depicker, the story shifts from an exploration of existential despair to one of budding connection. Despite the immense physical distance between them - Catherine is stationed near Saturn - their messages become a lifeline. The delay in communication, while frustrating, adds a layer of poetry to their exchanges, allowing the audience to savor the development of their bond. Ostrikov skillfully portrays this relationship as tender and solid, avoiding melodrama in favor of authenticity. Volodymyr Kravchuk plays Andriy flawlessly. He captures with remarkable subtlety the quiet despair and ultimate hope of this ordinary man. Whether venting his frustrations on a vinyl record or making a clay effigy of Catherine based on her self-declaration, Kravchuk imbues Andriy with a relatable blend of humor, sadness and resilience. His transformation from a lonely, resigned figure into a man willing to risk everything for a connection forms the emotional core of the film.

Pavlo Ostrikov's screenplay deftly navigates the confines of science fiction, romance and comedy, creating a narrative both familiar and new. The film pays homage to such classics as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Solaris, with its introspective tone and evocative images. But it also charts its own course, using humor and heartfelt dialogue to counterbalance heavier existential themes. The film's visual language, courtesy of cinematographer Nikita Kuzmenko, reinforces its thematic depth. Tight, claustrophobic shots underline Andriy's isolation, while the detailed, vivid design of his spaceship reflects his ingenuity and the remnants of his humanity. Even the depiction of space - vast, silent and indifferent - becomes a character in its own right, reflecting Andriy's inner struggle.

Written during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, U Are the Universe takes on added significance. The exploration of isolation, survival and the need for connection resonates deeply in the context of a world grappling with war and displacement. Although director Pavlo Ostrikov insists that the script predates the conflict, the parallels are undeniable. The film becomes a metaphor for the search for hope and love in the midst of devastation, a testament to humanity's resilience. The romantic arc between Andriy and Catherine serves as a poignant counterpoint to the apocalyptic setting. It's not about grand gestures or declarations, but rather about small, profound connections between people: through shared memories, vulnerabilities and the hope of a future together. This low-key approach allows their relationship to be earned and deeply touching.

Despite its post-apocalyptic premise, U Are the Universe remains anchored in its emotional authenticity. Pavlo Ostrikov avoids the temptation to overdo it, concentrating instead on the intimate, human-scale story at the heart of the film. This restraint allows the themes of love, hope and perseverance to shine through, making the film a striking entry in contemporary science fiction. The film's humor, though often dark and self-deprecating, is never out of place. It serves as Andriy's coping mechanism and as a narrative tool that prevents the tone from becoming too dark. This balance between humor and pathos is one of Pavlo Ostrikov's greatest achievements, demonstrating his ability to handle complex emotions with a light touch.

As a debut feature, U Are the Universe is an impressive achievement. Pavlo Ostrikov demonstrates a deep understanding of the science fiction genre and the universal human experiences that transcend it. The film's visual effects, particularly the depiction of Andriy's journey through space, are striking, especially considering its modest budget. The retro-futuristic design of Maxim and the spaceship further enhances the film's unique aesthetic. U Are the Universe is a film about the search for meaning and connection in the face of overwhelming isolation. It reminds us that even in the most desolate of circumstances, the human spirit is capable of reaching out, weaving bonds and creating moments of beauty. Ostrikov's poignant, heartfelt narrative ensures that this cosmic love story will linger in viewers' minds long after the last frame. It's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, and a shining example of the emotional depth that science fiction can achieve.

U Are the Universe
Written and directed by Pavlo Ostrikov
Produced by Anton Iffland Stettner, Eva Kuperman, Anna Sobolevska, Vladimir Yatsenko
Starring Alexia Depicker, Volodymyr Kravchuk
Music by Mykyta Moiseiev
Cinematography : Nikita Kuzmenko
Edited by Ivan Bannikov, Oleksiy Shamin
Production companies: ForeFilms, Stenola Productions
Distributed by NC
Release date : NC
Running time : 90 minutes

Seen December 7, 2024 at Max Linder Panorama

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