A cosmic love story: ‘U Are the Universe’ redefines space cinema
A fresh take on space solitude
Stories about lone astronauts navigating the vastness of space have been a staple in cinema. Hollywood has delivered several memorable entries, including Gravity (2013) and The Martian (2015). However, Ukrainian filmmaker Pavlo Ostrikov’s U Are the Universe stands out by weaving a compassionate love story into its futuristic framework. The film delves into how its protagonist finds solace and opens his heart to love when faced with the finality of existence. The themes are expansive, but the film’s success lies in the unique situation it presents.
A journey to Jupiter’s moon
In an unspecified future, Ukrainian trucker Andriy Melnyk (Volodymyr Kravchuk) is sent on missions to Castillo, one of Jupiter’s moons, by a waste disposal company. The specifics of his task or the events that led to this situation on Earth are left ambiguous, focusing instead on Andriy’s isolation in space. His only companion is a robot named Maxim (voiced by Leonid Popadko), programmed to keep him alive and provide levity. The plot takes a dramatic turn when Earth mysteriously explodes, leaving Andriy as its sole survivor.
A light-hearted approach to a dark twist
The film’s setup is presented briskly through economical yet amusing scenes. Maxim constantly interacts with Andriy, telling bad jokes, administering medicine, and navigating the spaceship. Andriy appears to be enjoying his solitary existence, living well despite his isolation. When the twist occurs, the film maintains its light touch. Andriy, though devastated, also finds joy and a sense of accomplishment in being the last man alive, relishing the thought of proving his detractors wrong.
An unexpected connection
On a whim, Andriy sends a message to the universe, dubbing himself “Captain Galaxy” and expecting no response. To his surprise, a French astronaut named Catherine (voiced by Alexia Depicker) stationed far away on Saturn replies. Through a translating program, they begin exchanging messages, leading to long conversations and a genuine connection. Their banter, filled with humor and sincerity, forms the heart of the film.
Authentic dialogue and captivating performances
U Are the Universe excels in its dialogue, which feels real and unforced, even if one doesn’t understand Ukrainian or French. The conversations flow naturally, whether the characters discuss small pleasures like food or ponder existential questions. Much of the film’s strength comes from Kravchuk’s performance. He captivates the audience with his magnetic presence, turning even the smallest gestures into entertainment. Whether he’s dancing clumsily while drunk or pouring his heart out, Kravchuk remains transfixing.
A heartfelt romance
As Andriy and Catherine’s bond deepens, the film evolves into a touching romance. While it might seem predictable that the last two humans would develop feelings for each other, Ostrikov’s screenplay avoids sentimentality. The love story feels genuine, filled with awkwardness, misunderstandings, and ultimately, pathos. The film’s inventive filmmaking ensures that the audience remains visually invested in the romance, even when one of the lovers is just a disembodied voice.
A festival favorite with universal appeal
With its moving story at its core, U Are the Universe is poised to find a broader audience. The film premiered in the Discovery section at the Toronto International Film Festival and played at Fantastic Fest, securing its place as a festival darling. Its curious premise, sparkling dialogue, and inventive filmmaking will likely endear it to cinephiles beyond these initial screenings.
For those interested in exploring this unique film, you can watch the trailer for U Are the Universe here.
Keywords: U Are the Universe, Pavlo Ostrikov, Volodymyr Kravchuk, Leonid Popadko, Alexia Depicker, space cinema, love story, festival darling, Toronto International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest