Everything Beautiful Is Far Away

Everything Beautiful Is Far Away is a 2017 feature film that blends science fiction and indie elements to create a unique cinematic experience. The film, directed by Pete Ohs and Andrea Sisson, is a thought-provoking journey that explores existential themes through the lens of its characters. Starring talented actors like Julia Garner, Joseph Cross, and C.S. Lee, the film combines engaging performances with a visually appealing and atmospheric desert landscape to construct its contemplative narrative.

In the heart of an expansive desert, the story revolves primarily around Lernert (Joseph Cross), a dreamer and technician who survived a disaster that left the world in an uninhabitable, sandy wasteland. Alone and desperate, the optimist dreams of a better place. Arid lands stretch out for miles in all directions, making for a lonely existence interrupted only by the tasks required to sustain life in this desolate environment.

Surviving on artificial food, developed and maintained by Lernert himself, the solitude of the landscape is soon interrupted by the introduction of Rola (Julia Garner), a lone wanderer. Garner's portrayal of the determined and self-reliant Rola adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Rola, who stumbles upon Lernert after a failed suicide attempt, is seeking the mysterious 'lake' - a supposedly water-filled location deep in the desert, said to be a sanctuary within the barren environment. Together, the pair form a companionship borne out of the necessity for survival, yet develops into a compelling tale commenting on the innate human desire for connection.

Accompanying them on their journey is a head of a human-like robot named Susan (voiced by Jillian Mayer). Lernert has built her from the remnants of what once was a sophisticated society, and despite being dysfunctional, she offers comic relief but also adds an element of artificial intelligence that further enriches the plot. Interacting with the robot brings a sense of normality and civilization to the otherwise desolate circumstances that Lernert and Rola find themselves in.

C.S. Lee, more commonly known for his supporting roles in popular TV shows, gives an engaging performance. His appearance in the film further deepens the range of characters and drives the plot into more intriguing territories - a testament to the film's innovative exploration of character dynamics in an unlikely setting.

The film's minimalistic, dystopian set design beautifully contrasts against the incredibly human and inter-relational motifs of the narrative. This combination is enhanced by the film's hauntingly enchanting score, which effectively punctuates each pivotal moment. The overall aesthetics of Everything Beautiful is Far Away could be best described as 'futuristic folkloric,' where the striking visuals have a muted palette that mirrors the faded dreams and hopes of its lead characters.

More than just a post-apocalyptic narrative, Everything Beautiful Is Far Away takes the audience on an introspective journey brimming with philosophical undertones. Throughout their journey, the characters contemplate existential questions of survival, isolation, companionship, and the definition of a ‘better place.’ Lernert, through his optimism and vision, paired with Rola’s pragmatic survivalism, imparts a story that is as much a reflection on human nature as it is a unique work of science fiction. And in doing so, the narrative creates a stark paradox between despair and hope, survival and surrender, and dreams and reality.

The film, despite its simple setting, is teeming with deep, reflective questions about life, survival, relationships, hope, and humanness. Its beauty lies in its ability to reveal the exceptional within the ordinary and the far-reaching within the near. The journey that the characters undertake is not merely physical but also symbolic, where the enigmatic ‘lake’ epitomizes the longing for resonating connections and soulful existence against a desolate backdrop.

In a nutshell, Everything Beautiful Is Far Away is an artistic and contemplative indie film. This visually compelling movie is sure to leave audiences speculating long after the credits roll. It is a beautifully told tale of survival and human connection, merging elements of the sci-fi and indie genres. This movie richly deserves a place in the must-watch list of all indie and sci-fi movie lovers.