Jules – A Wacky Sci-Fi Dramedy With Heart

Sometimes the simplest stories are the most effective. On paper, Jules could have ended up as something far different than how it ended up. While its premise is admittedly out there, it is merely a means to an end, a galvanizing force used to bring a trio of characters together in a heartfelt and surprisingly emotional way. Though these types of stories aren’t exactly uncommon, the way this film goes about it is with strong writing and stellar performances that will pull audiences in, especially those with ailing parents for whom they may have fallen out of touch with. Meanwhile, the story succeeds in what it intends to do and does not wear out its welcome. Staying on focus and not letting the wild side of its premise take over, for the most part, it will only set audiences back under 90 minutes. That being said, it was not without its issues but a phenomenal performance from Ben Kingsley along with formidable turns from Harriet Sansom Harris and Jane Curtin perfectly steer the ship. Within its short running time, the film pulls all the right strings emotionally as it will have audiences laughing, crying, and cheering with its characters as they are given a new lease on life.   

Jules follows Milton (Kingsley), a senior who mostly kept to himself, living a quiet solitary life in a rural western Pennsylvania small town. Going through the same routine every day, one can’t help but notice a sense of loneliness there as his support system found itself shrinking over time as much of his family moved on to focus on their own lives. One day, Milton’s routine would be turned upside down once a UFO crashed in his backyard where an injured alien soon emerged (the VFX are solid in spite of an indie budget). Initially reticent, it and Milton developed a close bond as Jules (Jade Quon), the name the alien was later given, became a conduit of sorts as the latter was blessed with someone that he could talk to. Since Jules couldn’t talk, his role was primarily to listen and he proved to be great at that. Despite being an alien, there was something about him that was so inviting therefore it was easy to let down one’s guard, look into one’s self and fully open up to him. As he stayed with Milton while he recuperated, keeping him under wraps proved to be a challenge for how serious and nonchalantly he shared the news with others. Even so, his reputation in the community of slowly losing his mind acted as a shield for a time until others would inevitably have no choice but to take him more seriously.

Things got more complicated for Milton and Jules when Milton’s two senior neighbors Sandy (Harris) and Joyce (Curtin) discover Jules. Coming from similar circumstances, the two experienced a lot of the same transformative experiences but it was still very compelling to watch them open up to Jules in the same way Milton had, sharing their unique stories and experiences and how they shaped them into who they were today. Finding meaning and the connection they longed for now in the latter stage of their lives, the three (or four) formed a cute little bond with another as they looked out for one another and protect Jules while he found a way to repair his ship and get back home to his planet. Raising suspicions within their small town, their bigger threat was the government who were of course trying to recover Jules and his ship. Ultimately, these threats were virtually a non-factor as the outcomes of Milton, Sandy, and Joyce’s character arcs were far more interesting to watch. Jules was clearly not going to hang around forever, however, he made sure to leave them with the strength to move on and more forward with their lives.

In the end, the best part of Jules and what hold it together is its performances. First off, Quon deserves some commendation for her performance as Jules. For a character that doesn’t talk, her physicality, from her considerable experience as a stuntwoman, made the character stand out into something that was more than an object. Kingsley delivers a phenomenal performance as Milton, the heart of the film. Avoiding the curmudgeon old man caricature, he shows a strong commitment to the character and has some hilarious and almost deadpan line deliveries while showing some range as the story peels back layers over the course of the film and Milton’s decline. Harris was a scene-stealer through her warmth alone while also showing some range and depth as a lonely woman yearning for connection in a world that was slipping away. Curtin, originally a foil, as Joyce was just like the others and had plenty to contribute with her different approach when it came to others.

Though Jules may seem a little wacky, there is some real heart here that shines above all else. While not perfect, this short but sweet dramedy is one to remember and quality comfort viewing.

still courtesy of levelFilm

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.