Universal, written and directed by Stephen Portland, screened as part of the Dances With Films LA film festival, which ran the latter part of June. The World Premiere was held at this festival and was presented at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Synopsis: A couple of academics enjoying a romantic break in a remote log cabin find their stay interrupted by someone who has tracked them down, seeking their help with what could be the most significant discovery in history.
The film features Joe Thomas (“The Inbetweeners,” the British comedy series) as Leo (short for Leonard). He and his girlfriend Naomi (Rosa Robson, “Buffering” TV series) are academics from the UK who are currently working at an unnamed university in the U.S. When the film starts, they are both as happy as they can be to arrive at the lovely cabin they have for the weekend getaway. Without a Wi Fi connection, they spend quality time quietly discussing their life and career, with Leo seeming to be in a bit of crisis about what to do next. Naomi seems to have her life in order, enjoying what she does and the three-year relationship they have.
Leo mentions a person named Ricky who is interested in his work and wants help now. The individual seeks them out while on holiday when Leo has plans to be with Naomi and make it a special weekend. When Ricky (Kelley Mack) shows up at the cabin door, they are both taken aback. Leo has a hard time explaining the young woman to Naomi. Ricky is a very socially awkward attendee of the university who lied to the campus administration to secure the vacation spot address to reach Leo with a claim of a theory that she bombards him with. She becomes the focus of the rest of the weekend, so scratch the romantic time.
There is plenty of discussion about scientific theories, some of which can leave viewers with their eyes glazed over in a few scenes. There is so much dialogue about what they find important now and thankfully, Naomi is agreeable to be part of the discussion, otherwise there would be so much more drama than they are facing with Ricky there.
Universal’s strong point is the cast that has great chemistry between its three actors. Leo and Naomi perform as if they are an authentic couple. Mack is an entertaining performer as the character Ricky, who does give the sense that if she is that bold to crush someone’s vacation, they should be prepared for just about anything from this character.
Portland’s script and direction is a compelling story that blends genres and keeps the audience engaged. Although this is considered a comedy, this is not one that involves slap stick humor at all. It is good when it is included, but it is contained.
Portland does well with this single-location feature in a lovely cabin that provides space for dialogue between the three characters. The DNA discussion and other scientific work can be a bit heavy, but these three actors help make it feel as if it is between authentic folks.
Hopefully, the film will continue to other festivals for other viewers to enjoy and perhaps score some distribution in the U.S. and/or UK.
Source: Dances With Films LA, Subspin Productions