Relax, I’m From The Future at Fantasia Festival 2022

Relax, I’m From The Future
Canada | English
2023 | 94 Minutes
Director: Luke Higginson
Cast: Rhys Darby, Gabrielle Graham, Julian Richings

Comedy and science fiction collide in this fantastic feature debut from Canada’s Luke Higginson.

The film, Relax, I’m From the Future was written and directed by Higginson, and is based on his short film of the same name that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2013. A decade later, by the time the film gets its proper launch, Higginson’s great short has grown to be an even better full-length film.

The premise is fairly simple; a time traveller has come back in time to right future wrongs and save the world. If you’re already thinking along the lines of been there, seen that – you’re not wrong, but wait, Relax, I’m From The Future is so much more than that.  Armed with only a form-fitting time-travel suit and his wit, Casper, played by Rhys Darby, must find his way around the past since he can’t make it back to the future.

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Even pop punk group Pup get in on the fun – playing themselves at a local gig and with their moniker splashed on a few tee-shirts for good measure. Darby’s character, Casper, takes an amazingly hilariously dig at the band that shows that Pup don’t take themselves too seriously – and can take a joke. For the few punk fans in the audience, that was a pretty amusing segment.

Darby is hilarious throughout Relax, I’m From The Future and really makes the film work. His quick and witty one-liners are always a good source of glee – and when I say one-liners, lets be clear, we’re not talking about the typical mundane Hollywood schlock that is normally spewed out. No, Darby and Relax, I’m From The Future are comical in an intelligent yet really goofy way, and it works so, so well.

Furthermore, the way Darby and Gabrielle Graham play off each other is a pleasure to see. Graham may be the lesser known member of cast, for now, but her future is bright. Graham’s character, Holly, is pivotal to the story arc and what ties Pup into the film. She is a queer, disillusioned punk who takes a liking to Casper.

Then there’s Canadian film icon, Julian Richings – even if he’s actually from England, who always brings something to the silver screen. I think of Hard Core Logo every time I see his face, and have found him to be one the nation’s best actors since that film’s release. As always, he plays the sinister type. Shady but intriguing and his role in Relax, I’m From The Future is fantastic. Integral to the plot and genius.

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Of course, things go haywire when a sort of bounty hunter in charge of eliminating wandering time travellers gets wind of Casper’s arrival and chaos ensues. The film spirals into strange territory but the wit, smarts and funny moments remain thankfully intact.

A fresh take on the tired Back To The Future or Terminator borrowings that normally accompany films with this sort of premise, Relax, I’m From The Future was a great time and a film I’m looking forward to revisiting again when it releases proper.

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