I can’t tell you just what The Future is about, but I can tell you how it made me feel - curious at first and fatigued soon after. Miranda July’s second cinematic brainchild is very much a too-personal project that’s as likely to satisfy as it is to aggravate. If there is a challenging film under wraps here, the surface is so lovingly polished with twee (including the already much-lamented talking cat narration, which I personally found barely distracting), that the resulting film is difficult to parse through for something to connect with. I had the opportunity to interview Ms. July after my first viewing of the film, and while she was helpful in illuminating the mysteries of her project, the second viewing left me disengaged.
Summarizing the plot is no the hard part, seeing as how it's window dressing for the magical realism and whimsical yet tragic musings that will follow. Sophie (July, solid) and Jason (Hamish Linklater, outstanding in a challenging role) a couple in their mid-30s, are four years into their relationship. When their sedentary (in more ways than the physical) existence is shook up by an injured cat (Paw Paw, voiced by July in a scratchy monotone) that they elect to adopt. When informed that the animal may live for several years when provided with tender love and care, Jason and Sophie decide that the month leading up to finalizing their adoption must herald a seismic change in their lives. For Jason, this means getting a job as a tree salesman, which doesn't fly over so well in LA. For Sophie, this means listlessly shacking up with Marshall (David Warshofsky), a suburbanite who shows a healthier wiliness to procreate than Sophie does.
The strongest portions of July's film belong to Linklater, and with good reason - he imbues Jason with genuine hurt when he realizes Sophie's betrayal. Jason is bestowed with a power that I won't spoil here but suffice to say when he uses it, it is a standout scene due to Linklater never trivializing what the emotional stakes are. July's performance is definitely acceptable, but as filmmaker and lead, one can't shake the feeling that she's determine to offer an insider's commentary on her own style. The Future is every bit style over substance, and yet it may confuse you since there's no flashy pyrotechnics or sweeping camera movements. Instead, the gamut of emotions presented feel like they are there to make points, and that did not sit well with this reviewer.
The Future tackles much in its ninety minutes - it's a relationship drama that tracks the passage of time, but also a film about self-realization and acknowledgment and acceptance of imperfections. It also has the distinction of featuring a talking cat and a talking moon, a dress that shyly crawls back to its owner and a child that sleeps in a hole in the backyard. Some of this feels natural to the world we are presented but plenty feels foreign, crammed in for symbolism or what have you. I am certain July does not mean it that way, but there's a communication breakdown between us and her vision that mars the film.
I wanted to like The Future as I did when I first saw it - when I felt like I did not understand it but I enjoyed the ride and felt as if I had seen something vital. Now that I've had the opportunity to view it again with the knowledge I've amassed in mind, it did not inspire a strong reaction but the inkling still remains - I would happily recommend the film to the right person, but not to anybody. It is not just an acquired taste - it's a dish that you know may turn off a lot of people but some may find it inexplicably exquisite.
DVD Bonus Features
The Miranda July commentary track included may elevate the film for most - but I don't recommend listening to it until you've seen the film as it meant to be seen. Also included is a 15-minute making-of featurette, a single deleted scene and the trailer.
"The Future" is on sale November 29, 2011 and is rated R. Fantasy. Written and directed by Miranda July. Starring Miranda July, Hamish Linklater.
