Periods.

Periods, released in 2012, is a unique and distinctive amalgamation of diverse storytelling styles, that plays with genres and periods to create an intelligent, yet humorous take on ordinary life and human relationships. Directed by Victor Quinaz, and featuring performances by Philip Quinaz, Alison Fyhrie, and A.M. Lukas, the movie is an infectiously idiosyncratic vision that thrives on its innovative narrative structure.

The film's title is indicative of its structure, whereby it is told through a series of episodic vignettes, each styled in a surreal and peculiar manner. These 'periods' lend themselves to the exploration of various time periods in history, from the prehistoric era to the Victorian Age to the Modern day. This unique use of time is used to illuminate recurrent themes that thread through the human experience such as love, loss, and longing.

Philip Quinaz delivers a vibrant performance that captivates the audience with his versatility in portraying characters from varying timescapes. Alison Fyhrie excels in her multiple roles as well, demonstrating great range despite often being cloaked in period-specific garb. A.M. Lukas provides strong support and additional comedic relief, rounding out the delightful misfit cast with grace and humor.

The film cleverly blurs the lines between comedy, drama, history, and the absurd, resulting in an enthralling viewing experience. Its unique approach of using disparate time frames as backdrops helps to highlight universal human experiences and emotions, presenting them in hilarious, often absurd ways.

Periods. effectively utilizes different styles of filmmaking and acts as a sort of showcase for the array of techniques present in the world of cinema. The treatment given to each segment varies, often sticking true to the era it portrays. The prehistoric vignette, for example, could seem reminiscent of a survival-themed thriller, while the Victorian-era vignette takes on aspects of a costume drama. This keeps the visuals exciting and changing, while lending a unique tone and mood to each segment.

Moreover, the film's script, penned by Anna Martemucci and Philip Quinaz, does well to amplify the weird absurdity of the film. The dialogue is often anachronistic, combining contemporary slang and expressions with the lexicons of each respective era. This lends itself to numerous comedic moments and satirical commentary on modern life and historical eras. The narratives in the film are steeped in dark humor, while also allowing human tenderness to shine through.

A standout aspect of Periods. is its visual design. The wide array of costumes, sets, and props genuinely reflect the eras they're meant to depict, while also not shying away from modern touches that lends much of the film its ironic humor. From the prim and proper attire of the Victorian era to the simplicity of the prehistoric tribal clothes, the attention to detail in each vignette is commendable.

Periods. is certainly not your traditional comedy. Its off-beat nature and larger-than-life characters elevate it to cult status. It offers an irreverent exploration of significant human experiences, poking fun at the changes in societal norms and behaviors across time. The film's ability to seamlessly blend satire, comedy, drama, and a touch of absurdity, all while juggling varying timelines, is an impressive feat. It is a must-watch for those seeking a unique cinematic perspective on the endless comedy of human existence across different periods of time.

Captivating, intelligent, and positively weird, Periods. has something for every viewer. It breaks boundaries, from its storytelling to its character journeys, and from its production design to its cinematography, creating a viewing experience that is as unique as it is enjoyable. It provides both an exploration of history and a commentary on humanity, using humor as the universal language to bind it all together. Created with ambition and a love for the niche and peculiar, Periods. stands as a tribute to innovative storytelling and the timeless humor of human experience.