Mel Eslyn makes her directorial debut with Biosphere. It features two incredible performances in a funny and poignantly thought-provoking story that rewards an audience who doesn’t know what it is in for. Billy (Mark Duplass) and Ray (Sterling K. Brown) are the last two men on Earth living in a self-sustaining dome. In order to keep this going, the two men will have to adapt and evolve – and maybe they could even save humanity.
The script of the film, written by Eslyn and Duplass, is a big reason the movie works so well. There are a lot of very funny moments between the two guys. While the comedy makes the film extra enjoyable, it’s the film’s story that really brings the audience in. Information is revealed with precise intent so that the audience is piecing together a much bigger picture. Of course, it’s the uncertainty of where things are going that makes it hard to write anything with specificity. However, once the premise reveals itself – if you’re still in for the ride – you’ll have a blast with this film. It isn’t all fun and games, though, as the themes the film is discussing are very relevant and worth deeper contemplation.
Two guys in a room can be a pretty bland movie. However, if you have two dynamic performers like Brown and Duplass, then suddenly a potentially boring set-up becomes incredibly engaging. The chemistry between the two actors sells the character’s lifelong friendship. It is easy to believe their relationship, and how the two interact. The opening conversation as they job around their little habitat centers around the Mario Bros. and the dynamic between the two of them. Eslyn also makes some incredibly deft choices with camera placement that helps sell the performances of the two guys. There is a moment late when things are a little more serious, which isolates each character in the center of the frame, and allows their performances to truly stand out.
Biosphere is one of the better dystopian films to come out in recent years. Parts of it feel too real, and other parts explore themes that are at the top of many conversations. Yet, it’s important to not get into those specifics before you’ve seen it. If you’re a fan of Duplass or Brown, then it’s a safe bet that you’ll enjoy this film as well. I laughed several times, I was shocked by a few others, and it even got me to shed a few tears.
Biosphere is in theaters and on-demand on July 7, 2023.
Rating: Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy
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