Synopsis
Quantum mechanics and the many-worlds interpretation make the morning after a one night stand between a theoretical physicist and a man from a different universe one to remember.
Backwards Faces
2022 Directed by Chris Aresco
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An absolute banger. Where on Earth did this come from? Like a millennial Marx Brothers movie. Made me just stare in the mirror for like thirty minutes after wondering what a person is.
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Wish that I could get transported to a new universe every time I suck at sex
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This still kicks ass.
Watched for the first time at Other Worlds Austin and was blown away by the performances and dialogue. It played to a raucous crowd and was laugh out loud funny so I thought maybe it would not quite hold up on rewatch but it is almost the type of film you need to check out at least twice. The dialogue is so layered and witty and the quantum physics really starts to make more sense on the second watch. It is complex and smart and not for lazy viewers but if you give it your attention for seventy minutes, you are going to have an amazing viewing experience. What captured me most the second time was…
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A sci-fi indie comedy with some heart and a lot of brains. The performances and writing are equally sharp and well realized. It has the essence of what you hope of a microbudget feature; a big idea executed as well as possible given the circumstances. Everything able to be produced without money has been. I think, to me, what might set this apart from other films in a similar budget range is the editing and score. The music is raucous and revelatory. It pushes with the action of the film and never takes away from anything on screen. The editing is unnoticeable (which on its face is a major positive) but also, at times, subtly telling. Certain push ins and…
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An existential and creative film about quantum physics and the human condition. Very funny with some incredible dialogue and two terrific star-making performances. Saw at Other Worlds Fest but def worth checking out when it hits streaming
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Backward Faces is one of the most unique movies I have seen lately. Or maybe ever! It’s about a woman, Sydney, who is a student of theoretical physiology, and her new beau, Ken, who just happens to be a dimension-hopper. What are the odds?
It is something of a rom-com but a cerebral one that’s more focused on talk than action. As we get to know what makes these two tick, they start to click. But then when “another Ken” hops in from the multiverse, three’s a crowd… make that four, since this Ken has a gun and seems to want the “real Ken” out of the way. The filmmakers ask some interesting questions about the self, choices, motivations, and more.
Backward Faces would make a great play but it translates well to the small screen too. I probably wouldn’t watch it again but I am glad that I saw it.
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While the dialogue can threaten to be impenetrable, it’s one part of this engrossing film which smartly keeps deconstructing the implications of its premise and answering questions which are brought up during explanations. In the middle of that is a story about the choices people make and how they should treat themselves better, which forms the emotional centre of this inventive and unique film which attempts so much across the lean 69-minute runtime.
See my full review at Nerdly.
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Watched this one again. Still really good, loved it, couldn't get enough of it. Maybe even better the second time. To everybody, ya might wanna watch this one a second time, cause it's maybe even better the second time, as I said above. Might watch it again tomorrow. Might even watch it another time the day after that. If I do, I'll be sure to get back on lettrboxd dot com to let you all know if it's better or worse after 4th, 5th, 6th, etc. viewings.
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When I saw the exciting poster for this pop up on Amazon.com, I knew I had to give it a try. Seriously, look at those colors! I can't get enough of 'em!
As a simple, non-scientifically inclined fellow, I didn't know what to expect. "Quantum.mechanics and the many worlds interpretations..." What the heck does all that even mean? I'm sure I don't know. But nonetheless, I got my popcorn, my extra-large Coca Cola, and my sour patch kids and settled in to see what I could make of it.
As nothing but a simple, non-critically minded watcher, I was surprised to see a runtime of only 70 minutes, but certainly not disappointed. Me, I love a short movie! And the…
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Very low budget but makes up for it with whip smart dialogue and an enthralling premise. Loved the two lead performances and laughed out loud a whole lot. Very rare to see writing and acting this good in a microbudget indie. Loved it!