The History Of Future Folk

The History Of Future Folk, directed by John Mitchell and Jeremy Kipp Walker, gyrates on a riff that blends sci-fi, comedy, and music, for an unlikely but irresistibly charming movie experience.

The film stars Nils d'Aulaire as Bill, a seemingly typical suburban dad who, as we soon find out, has a vastly more complicated backstory. Before moving to Earth, he was General Trius, a resident of the distant planet Hondo. The film's delightful mythology posits Hondo as a planet about to be obliterated by an approaching comet. Bill is sent to Earth to release a flesh-eating virus to clear the world for his fellow Hondonians.

But things take a sharp turn when he discovers music, something absent on his home planet. Enthralled by this art form, he decides to defy his mission, settling down on Earth, marrying a human woman, and fathering a daughter. He spends his nights moonlighting as a folk singer in a small Brooklyn bar, regaling audiences with his Hondonian origin stories, disguised as fictional tales to his unsuspecting listeners.

Eventually, the plot thickens when fellow Hondonian Kevin, a terrifying assassin with a lethal skillset, is dispatched to Earth to carry out the original mission that Bill failed to execute. Portrayed by Jay Klaitz, Kevin initially arrives as a threat and adversary to Bill and his newfound love for Earth and humanity. Yet, he falls prey to the same seduction, when music, specifically Bill’s mesmerizing folk tunes, bewitches him, leading to a change of heart.

Through the bond of music and newfound camaraderie, the duo forms a bluegrass band called Future Folk, donning their Hondonian bucket helmets, matching red jumpsuits, and wielding banjos and guitars. Their performances become the highlight and heart of the movie.

The narrative also explores Bill's relationship with his wife, portrayed by Julie Ann Emery. The struggle and strain on his personal life due to his double life provide an emotional anchor. Carrying the burden of his extraterrestrial origin, the danger circling his adoptive planet, and the constant yearning for his homeland of Hondo, Bill.The character study woven through the narrative adds depth to what could have easily remained a lighthearted, humorous premise.

The initial comic book style illustrated introduction sets an energetic pace for an engaging tale of cosmic proportions, followed by a storyline that is as simple as it is surreal. The History Of Future Folk smartly eschews overdrawn extraterrestrial elements or overly complicated sci-fi lore. Instead, the film relies on its distinctive narrative and endearing characters to create a remarkable balance of charming amusement and heartfelt drama.

Accompanying the compelling narrative is the equally captivating folk-bluegrass soundtrack. The music becomes a character in its own right, driving the story and connecting characters in a manner that is both entertaining and deeply emotive. The filmmakers transform an unassuming genre of music into a mesmerizing cosmic force that captivates two alien beings and connects audiences to the abnormal plot.

Both d'Aulaire and Klaitz deliver first-rate performances, showcasing a wide range of emotions through comedic timing and intense drama while demonstrating their remarkable musicianship. The interaction between them draws viewers into their eclectic universe. Their rendering of simple but meaningful folk tunes adds a unique dimension and depth to the movie, making it a memorable watch.

The History Of Future Folk is a rarity, a film that juggles many elements and successfully synthesizes them into an enjoyable and heartwarming viewing experience. It deftly navigates its diverse themes of music, extraterrestrial life, familial love, sacrifice, and friendship. Its eccentric yet loveable characters, combined with catchy, soulful music, make it an amusing and endearing sci-fi comedy. The film might not have the grandeur or star power of blockbusters, but it compensates with a captivating storyline, great music, and feel-good factor.

Whether you're a sci-fi fan or not, a folk music lover or not, The History of Future Folk has something universal in its quirky, charming narrative: a testament to the power of music, pilgrimage for love, and the resolve to protect it at all costs. There's a humble, profound humanness to this unusual comedy, dovetailed with smart humor that makes it as enjoyable as it is unforgettable.