So. Much. Fun.
Time travel comedies are nothing new and, frankly, each one has their own set of rules. (Heck, even The Avengers have broken that pesky space-time continuum now.) But, somehow, the sheer joy that fuels Relax, I’m From the Future makes it both endearing and memorable.
Written and directed by Luke Higginson, Relax, I’m from the Future tells the story of Casper (Rhys Darby), a time traveller who appears in the present day who’s interested in living in the moment. When he meets Holly (Gabrielle Graham), the two begin an almost instant friendship, especially since Casper has the knowledge that she needs to make a quick buck. However, as the two live it up in the present, time has a way of coming calling and they inadvertently change what’s ‘supposed to happen’. Suddenly, the future hangs in the balance as they attempt to fix what was broken.
Relax is an absolutely delightful and hilarious journey to the future and back. Despite its ‘future ramifications’, Higginson ensures that Relax never takes itself too seriously (except, of course, when it does). Energized by the message that ‘everything is going to be okay’, this is a delightfully silly romp that works primarily as a result of its strong casting.
Although Darby is best known for cameos or supporting roles, Relax gives him the opportunity to step out into the spotlight. As a visitor from the future, Darby absolutely charms the audience with his boyish grin and playful attitude. He may have been sent back to save the world but he might as well enjoy himself while he’s here. With a lack of concern for sports betting and for the space-time continuum, Casper has the sort of free-wheeling spirit that would send chills down the spine of Back to the Future’s Doc Brown. This is a man who doesn’t (seem to) fear the impending change, as long as you avoid a few key spots.
However, Darby’s perfect casting comes to life when combined with the gritty seriousness of Graham’s Holly. Frustrated with the state of her life, Graham’s character wants to make changes and is willing to bend the rules—as long as it benefits her. To her, the world is broken and she’s been broken by it. During her scenes with Darby, Graham keeps the film grounded, yet still allows her character to come alive. Together, the two become an unlikely but delightful pairing that keeps the film moving, especially in its more serious moments.
And Relax doesn’t want its audience to unwind entirely.
After all, this is a film where the world needs to be saved (or so we think.) As a result, the film wants to explore what it means to matter. For Casper, playing with the space-time continuum is a non-issue because he argues that the majority of people don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. To him, while there may be certain events that must take place to maintain the course of (future) history, there are only about 150 people who can truly enact change.
For the rest of us, the film suggests that our actions are largely irrelevant.
However, is that the case? Could it be true that, by intentionally seeking to create a better world, we can actually do so? Although the film suggests that only a few people are able to enact any sort of change, so too does it also ask whether or not we can be one of those people ourselves. In this way, Relax points out that a passion to alter the way things are may actually help make a real difference down the line.
Or can it? Even Casper isn’t entirely sure.
While the outcome is unsure, the intent is what matters. So, even though Relax wants you to enjoy the ride in the present, it also invites you to think about where you’re going in the future.
Relax, I’m From the Future is available in theatres on Friday, October 6th, 2023.
