Heady French Sci-Fi (In More Than One Way)

Opening in Theaters Soon

Meanwhile on Earth opens in theaters November 8.

Elsa, the protagonist of Meanwhile on Earth, is not your average science-fiction character. Unlike most, she seems to be aware of her role in the genre, even without directly breaking the fourth wall. Elsa is the sister of a missing astronaut, Franck, and often daydreams about joining him on his space adventures. In a surprising turn of events, she swiftly inserts a mysterious object into her ear after a night of partying, following instructions from Franck’s disembodied voice. As the main character in a sci-fi movie, Elsa’s journey is about to take a chaotic turn, challenging both her and director Jérémy Clapin.

Elsa’s Internal Struggle

The key element in Elsa’s story is the voice she hears in her head, pushing her to reconnect with Franck at any cost. Grief motivates her actions, as she grapples with an alien presence invading her thoughts and making tempting offers to bring Franck back, but at a cost.

However, Elsa’s problems escalate after she uses the otherworldly earbud. While this decision leads to moments of shocking body horror, it also sets off a plot filled with a mix of ideas and tones that Clapin struggles to balance effectively. The film delves into themes of slasher horror and philosophical dilemmas, incorporating striking visuals that range from breathtaking to disturbing.

Elsa’s Grief and Alien Influence

Even before surrendering to the extraterrestrial force in her head, Elsa is already under the sway of powers beyond her control. Megan Northam’s nuanced performance captures Elsa’s artistic aspirations intertwined with her grief over Franck’s disappearance. The film portrays Elsa’s daily routine, highlighting her family dynamics and the monotonous existence she leads post-Franck.

With Northam anchoring the film with her compelling portrayal of Elsa’s emotional journey, the narrative explores themes of disconnection and coping with loss. While Elsa’s struggles may resonate with audiences, the film’s message about letting go and finding ambition may lack the depth needed to leave a lasting impact.

Northam is never anything short of convincing as Elsa.