Film Review: The Universe of Miranda July Foresees ‘The Future’

CHICAGO – The beauty of indie filmmaker Miranda July lies in her ability to create substance and mystery out of the most mundane everyday circumstances. Ms. July wrote, directed and stars in the symbolically rich new film “The Future,” and nurtures the concept of “the relationship” into another realm.

Forging a stunning commentary on the mendacity of couplehood, July uses doses of intense fantasy and starkly cruel reality to light the dark corners of the interrelating human race. It also can be argued that this film is nothing more than survival mechanisms at work, and that the fantasy elements involved are merely represented to propagate the good fortune of getting to the next sunset.

Sophie (July) and Jason (Hamish Linklater) are a thirtysomething couple that have been together for four years. They have their internet and their rituals, including indulging in a pretend game that has Jason stopping time. Their lives are about to change because they find a stray, injured cat. They decide to adopt him, but the vet at the shelter tells them the cat’s specialized care will take thirty days, and they can pick him up then.

Given that they have only thirty days left of “freedom,” Sophie and Jason decide to quit their jobs and satisfy their heart’s desire. Jason joins a volunteer environmental organization, Sophie decides to do 30 dances in 30 days. As the time ticks away towards the adoption, the portals that the couple have opened begin to vacuum their emotions. Sophie becomes involved with a factory owner (David Warshofsky) and Jason starts to unravel in unexpected ways. If only he could really stop time.

”The Future” continues its limited release in Chicago August 5th. See listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Miranda July, Hamish Linklater, David Warshofsky, Isabella Acres, Erinn K. Williams, Oona Mekas and Clement von Franckenstein. Written and Directed by Miranda July. Rated “R”