1,001 Ways to Enjoy the Missionary Position

1,001 Ways to Enjoy the Missionary Position is a curious blend of drama and science fiction set in 2010. This distinctive indie film is directed by Alan Brown and boasts a talented ensemble cast with performances from seasoned actors such as William Russ, Anthem Moss, and Natasha Melnick.

The film delves into the dynamics of two parallel relationships that differ vastly in their emotional textures, yet inescapably intertwine. It explores the realms of love, intimacy, and frustration in partnerships, showcasing the mundane, the exciting and the complexities of human interactions in a thought-provoking way.

William Russ, best known for his roles in Boy Meets World and American History X, gives a sterling performance. He plays the character of Abraham, a middle-aged man who finds himself trapped in a loveless relationship with his wife, Sarah, enacted by Natasha Melnick. Melnick, previously seen in Freaks and Geeks and Family Guy, portrays the character with an admirably restrained, poised performance. Despite enjoying a comfortable suburban life, the couple find themselves grappling with existential angst and growing disillusionment in their marriage.

Parallelly, the storyline explores the lives of Ian and Isaac, portrayed impressively by Anthem Moss. This aspect shines a unique light on the duality of emotions faced by the same individual in two contrasting relationships. Ian, a science fiction writer, is engulfed in a tumultuous relationships with Sarah, Abraham’s wife. In stark contrast, Isaac, a renowned neuroscientist, is living a fulfilling life with his young, devoted boyfriend Lee, forming an enigmatic emotional juxtaposition. Their worlds intersect at rare, intense intervals forming the crux of the narrative.

The film intelligently uses science fiction as a metaphor for examining the human condition. It uses narratives of a possible alien invasion as a catalyst that intensifies underlying tensions, thereby bringing the protagonists' internal struggles to the foreground. The sci-fi element is not pushed to the periphery but instead is woven intricately into the intimate personal dramas explored in the film.

Brown, known for his noteworthy contribution to the world of indie films, explores the intricacies of personal relationships and the concept of love through a unique lens, seamlessly blending reality with a fantastical sci-fi premise. The narrative is refreshingly non-linear, alternating between the characters and the relationships they find themselves in, leaving room for audiences to interpret and fill in the gaps. The switching between timelines adds a more profound layer to an already compelling narrative, showcasing an existential discourse on love, relationships, and identity.

Embedded in the film's title is a flicker of humor, a point of entry that belies the intense, thought-provoking exploration of intimacy and relationships that lies beneath. The delicate balance between the conceptual and the tangible in the film reaffirms its offbeat, indie identity. 1,001 Ways to Enjoy the Missionary Position is, therefore, much more than what the title suggests; it’s a profound exploration of unspoken feelings, love, lust, and the complexities associated with human relationships.

The film's tone is accented with melancholy and cleverly underlined with the right amount of dry humor. The cinematography underplays the sci-fi to focus more on the characters' internal turmoil, using an array of muted color palettes and character-centric framing - a testament to Brown’s visual storytelling.

Despite its immersive narrative, the film does not shy away from acknowledging its titular reference to one of the most traditional sexual positions known to humanity. It subtly and tactfully explores the metaphorical implications of the same, both in terms of physical intimacy and the pursuit of satisfaction in human relationships.

In essence, 1,001 Ways to Enjoy the Missionary Position is a daring, unorthodox approach to defining and commenting on interpersonal relationships, brought to life by stellar performances from the cast. It takes the audience on a journey into the inexplicable mindscapes of very real individuals, and how they grapple with the idea of love, satisfaction and existential dissatisfaction, all while navigating the eccentricities of life hidden behind the veil of an imminent alien invasion.