WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
What is it to be overtly aware of that which is asymmetrical from the reality you’ve always known? The initial confusion about your altered surroundings that slowly but assuredly forms into a much clearer vision, revealing a newly conceived perception that something is indeed amiss? What would your reaction be? How would you choose to move ahead in order to ascertain the actions necessary to find the truth, change the outcome–or escape it? In a future London, a woman named Jane (Tori Butler-Hart) finds herself faced with such a plight. Upon waking trapped in a skewed universe, it becomes a journey both harrowing and enlightening as she struggles to comprehend all she must do to return to that which is familiar, or change this new present before she falls into an endless, reality-warping, potentially life-threatening cycle.
Next, my Mind:
A subtle yet complex, foundationally simplistic yet intelligently designed, tangibly relatable exposition on the human condition and comprehension of existence wrapped in a sci-fi mold, this newest feature film effort from the highly effective duo of writer/director/producer/executive producer/cinematographer Matthew Butler-Hart and writer/producer/executive producer Tori Butler-Hart (who brought us the excellently creepy horror film “The Isle“) along with executive producer Anthony Pye-Jeary deliver a mind-bending “wash, rinse, repeat” formatted narrative that plumbs a wealth of concepts underneath an overall cornerstone idea that harkens to sci-fi gems such as “Edge of Tomorrow” and “Inception” but in a manner as only indie cinema can present–through character and story-driven greatness instead of visual bombast.
Focused on the notion of one woman’s harried realization that the “life” she currently finds herself (literally at first) a prisoner of carries with it an ongoing, ever-unfolding puzzle she has to deduce through actions taken, observations made, and lessons learned, while also contending with the shadowy corporation behind it all, the film comes across at first as very, well, basic and maybe even a tad plain. But, folks, allow the story to unwind before you and what comes from it ultimately is a fantastic little piece of actuality getting twisted over and over again as we get more and more invested in the lead character and how each and every moment she endures is somehow, inexorably, leading us towards a as-yet-to-be-revealed destination we ideally long to see, regardless of some formulaic, “seen-it-before” elements being present along the path.
Frankly, this critic felt that the raw starkness of the film itself lends a perfect atmosphere to what’s being explored and really does make you have to pay attention to the details as you go, as if we truly were right there with the character of Jane as she is herself forced to problem solve, the proverbial “rat-in-a-maze”. Added to this is the smart utilization of flashbacks and/or random images that burn into Jane’s mind as she proceeds in her quest for facts and solutions, all of which blend wonderfully into the greater whole, helping to form that larger portrait being painted. Soon, we see everything from the power of deep memory/recollection, how experience teaches us the will to survive and develop perseverance, finding the mind’s limits, paranoias, fears, and the ability to outlast frustration, to getting back up, starting over, seeing what’s worth trying while conversely trying to fix what’s broken, adapting to “control” our perspective, and accepting what cannot be changed while still discovering comfort and fulfillment.
Likewise delving into the ideas of how we don’t LIKE to BE manipulated by outside forces while navigating obstacles, anxiety, and uncertainty, plus the unknown when newly introduced elements enter the realm of our journey, it comes down to all choices, all outcomes, yet being able to logically choose which of these we might embrace as the best options. Of course, there’s also the core view centered on mental formatting and experimentation being pushed too far, benefiting the few but overtly detrimental to the many. I will say that the final reveal of the story certainly promotes a deeply ominous tone and leaves more to conjecture, which I personally find highly satisfying. Beyond ALL of this, however, what ends up being most impressive to me is that this was shot entirely during the pandemic lockdown with ONLY the Hart pair actually on set, every other facet being done remotely, and that alone makes this film one to admire and relish for the sheer determination, drive, and passion for filmmaking being displayed here. Again, the beauty of indie!
Given that she plays, fundamentally, THE sole primary character involved in the tale we witness (and I do mean “witness”, not Wytness….watch the film, people), I give full measure of credit here to Tori Butler-Hart for her performance as Jane, a woman who very abruptly discovers that everything she thinks she knew is no longer the reality she exists in, much less finding herself at the whim of completely enigmatic and clandestine forces. Even as she experiences the initial stages of total hopelessness, confusion, and fear, watching Jane slowly start piecing together how she can alter it all and seek out the answers she needs while also manifesting the kind of dogged will to overcome all that’s trying to work against her doing so, it’s a heavily emotional, physical, and mental toll being wrought upon her, and Hart deftly negotiates this both inward and outward turmoil with full realism and belivability without, in my opinion anyway, overacting it. It’s simply one of those performances that just FITS the character, a credit to Hart’s method of acting.
The primary supporting appearances involved are made by the incomparable Ian McKellen (who just understatedly chews up the screen time he’s given because he’s, well, you know, IAN MCKELLEN for Pete’s sake! Nuff said!!) as Dr. Charles Marland-White and fellow veteran actor Conleth Hill as Professor Aaron Ostergaard, two key figures that form the essential substance of what is being exhibited through Jane’s dilemma. Additional actors including Graham Butler, Chris Hart, and Wendy Muir Hart also make brief showings while Ben Lee and Holly Dale Spencer are present via voices only. Therefore, in total, “Infinitum: Subject Unknown” is a quietly brilliant study in all things human formulated to make us consider what it is to grasp the reality we’re in while entertainingly offering us a glimpse into the fantastical realms of what alternate universes might hover just beyond our current perceptions and understanding. In short, take the time, watch the film, and really let what’s over, above, and below the surface pull you in.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
