Jules
Far out friendships take flight in Marc Turtletaub’s stellar coming-of-ageing story.
Down to Earth: Jane Curtin, Harriet Sansom Harris, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Jade Quon as Jules.
Image courtesy of Bleecker Street
Cinematic encounters with extraterrestrials have often served as reminders of humanity’s incredible ability to communicate and our deep need for connection. Whether through radio emissions, the power of music or the touch of an illuminated finger, contact with the unknown can inspire a transcendent experience for characters and audiences alike. Long-time producer turned director Marc Turtletaub, who previously delighted with 2018’s Puzzle, explores the importance of making connections later in life. What can feel lightyears away, may be right in your backyard.
Civic-minded Milton (Sir Ben Kingsley) awakens at 12:52 am to discover his azaleas have been obliterated by the crash-landing of a 50s-style space saucer. As a man of a certain age, his attempt to inform the Boonton, PA city council about the floral affront falls on unbelieving ears. As with his strained relationship with daughter Denise (Zoë Winters) and his long-distance son, Milton struggles to be heard. It’s a feeling he has in common with like-minded neighbours Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) and Joyce (Jane Curtin). When the little green man inside the vessel turns out to be a gentle blue being, Milton finds in the martian a most unlikely companion.
The unexpected pairing of science fiction and senior citizens yields surprising analogies. As Sandy says, “You’ve seen the movies, you know what happens to these guys when they fall to earth.” Like those movie men in black who cover up and deny the existence of alien life, our youth-worshipping society seems to cover up, ignore or deny the realities of getting older. Those coming to terms with the taboo topic can find life’s challenges increasingly alien, not to mention the way changes in technology continually alienate older generations. In some cultures ageing is respected and even revered. There’s wisdom that comes with the territory after all. But what do you do when you find yourself in a community that doesn’t value the wisdom of your years?
Featuring a distinguished and starry cast, Jules’ trio of passionate pensioners (Kingsley, Harris and Curtin) are a treat to spend time with. In a role that fits like a glove, Harriet Sansom Harris reminds us why she’s achieved national treasure status. Jade Quon’s economy of movement as Jules gives the alien a childlike curiosity. Filling the black well of Jules’ eyes with a deep presence and understanding is the hinge that makes it all work. It also helps that Gavin Steckler’s script gives an older cast richly drawn characters (who resemble real human beings) in material that’s brimming with humour and pathos. And Turtletaub’s light touch leaves audiences with plenty to think about between laughs. German composer Volker Bertelmann, who claimed the Oscar this year for All Quiet on the Western Front, summons a poignant score for the feel-good dramady.
CHAD KENNERK
Cast: Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris, Zoë Winters, Jade Quon, Jane Curtin, Anna George, Donald Paul, Eric T. Miller.
Dir Marc Turtletaub, Pro Debbie Liebling, Andy Daly, Michael B. Clark, Alex Turtletaub and Marc Turtletaub, Screenplay Gavin Steckler, Ph Christopher Norr, Pro Des Richard Hoover, Ed Ayelet Gil-Efrat, Music Hauschka, Costumes Stacy Jansen.
Big Beach-Bleecker Street (US)/Signature Entertainment (UK).
90 mins. USA. 2023. US Rel: 11 August 2023. UK Rel: 29 December 2023. Cert. PG-13.
