MOVIE REVIEW
U Are the Universe (Ти – Космос)
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Pavlo Ostrikov
Writer(s): Pavlo Ostrikov
Cast: Volodymyr Kravchuk, Leonid Popadko, Daria Plahtiy, Alexia Depicker, Maksym Maksymiuk
Language: Ukrainian, French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

RAVING REVIEW: U ARE THE UNIVERSE catapults us into the not-so-distant future, where Andriy Melnyk (Volodymyr Kravchuk,) a space trucker from Ukraine, embarks on a routine cargo mission that unexpectedly turns into a desperate survival struggle. Following Earth's abrupt end, Andriy discovers he might be the last human floating through space—until a distress call from Catherine (Darya Plakhtiy,) another lone survivor on a distant station, pulls their fates together. Their interaction sparks an epic quest to explore what remains of human connection in a universe seemingly void of it.

Director Pavlo Ostrikov makes a striking entrance into the realm of filmmaking with a feature that does more than just navigate the stars. He crafts a narrative that pierces the heart of human emotions amidst the backdrop of expansive cosmic isolation. By stepping away from the shiny, unblemished aesthetic typical of many space odysseys, Ostrikov opts for a grittier, tactile representation of the future. In this future, humanity’s most significant advancements could catalyze its undoing.

Kravchuk portrays agony and depth as Andriy, whose journey aboard the timeworn spacecraft Obriy becomes a poignant reflection of his own weathered but resilient spirit. The spacecraft's gritty, well-worn aesthetic underscores the themes of survival and endurance and paints a visual metaphor for Andriy’s rugged trek across the stars. This 'dirty space' design (an idea pioneered by George Lucas, creating a “lived in” space)  immerses viewers in the tangible decay and survival instincts that drive the narrative forward.

At the core of U ARE THE UNIVERSE lies an exploration of the indomitable human spirit. The film intricately details the interactions between Andriy, his mechanical companion Maxim (voiced by Leonid Popadko), and the isolated Catherine. These interactions navigate the intricate dance of building connections across the vastness of space, portraying a blend of shared struggles and triumphs that champion the unyielding human quest for emotional connectivity, even in the darkest corners of the universe.

Produced under the pervasive threat of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the film transcends its narrative to act as a defiant symbol of cultural preservation and resistance. The challenges Ostrikov and his team faced—ranging from power outages to the ever-present threat of violence—infuse the film with raw authenticity and a testament to the power of storytelling as an act of defiance and resilience.

The vast backdrop of the universe, typically seen as a realm of endless possibilities, here highlights the intimate, often confining realities of human emotional and physical boundaries. The minimalist yet richly symbolic visuals, combined with the 'dirty space' aesthetic, anchor this cosmic tale in a gritty reality that echoes the trials and tribulations of our earthly existence.

The film’s narrative arc doesn’t resolve neatly, suggesting that the quest for understanding and connection is a continuous journey. Andriy’s unyielding pursuit of Catherine, against all conceivable odds, delivers a profound message of enduring hope and love—a beacon of light in the overwhelming darkness.

U ARE THE UNIVERSE is a heartfelt reminder of the human condition. It weaves drama, romance, and science fiction elements into a cohesive exploration of love, loss, and the quest for meaning against a backdrop of cosmic desolation. Ostrikov’s debut is a bold narrative that invites viewers to delve into the depths of human emotion and ponder the existential questions of connection and our place within the universe.

For those ready to embark on this journey, U ARE THE UNIVERSE offers an emotional and thought-provoking experience, challenging viewers to look beyond the conventional trappings of its genre and engage with more profound, existential themes.

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[photo courtesy of FOREFILMS, STENOLA PRODUCTIONS]

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