Sitges 2023: Clever Indie Sci-Fi Romance ‘Molli & Max in the Future’

Sitges 2023: Clever Indie Sci-Fi Romance ‘Molli & Max in the Future’

by Alex Billington
October 22, 2023

“Life is so complex… And overwhelming. And it’s so hard to figure out what’s real and what isn’t… What matters and what doesn’t. Whether your feelings betray, or if they are your only compass…” Ahhh yes, the eternally mysterious questions about life and love. There’s no easy way to answer these ruminations, which is why we tell stories. This is why we make films, sing songs, read books, to spend time with stories that help us figure out our own ways, help us figure out how (or at least guide us) to make sense of the lives we’re all living. That is the best intro I can muster for this charming indie romantic comedy discovery. Molli and Max in the Future is a sci-fi romance film written and directed by filmmaker Michael Lukk Litwak as his feature debut, and I fell head over heels for it. The film first premiered at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival earlier this year, stopping at the London & Sitges Film Festivals this fall. I’m glad I took the chance to catch up with it – because this is a real winner. It’s legit. Anyone will enjoy it – as long as you’re a sci-fi nerd, too.

Molli and Max in the Future is a sci-fi romantic comedy about a man and a woman whose orbits repeatedly collide over the course of 12 years, 4 planets, 3 dimensions, and one space-cult. Zosia Mamet co-stars as Molli, with Aristotle Athari playing Max. The official intro sums up the concept for this quite nicely. The film “takes the character-driven romance of a movie like When Harry Met Sally and combines it with an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink sci-fi universe found in shows like ‘Futurama’ or ‘Rick and Morty.’ Through a combination of old-school practical visual effects (hand-built models, miniatures, puppets, stop-motion animation, rear-projection) and cutting edge technology (Unreal Engine and LED Volumes) the filmmakers have created a universe like no other.” In addition to the very clear When Harry Met Sally references, it features a light jazzy score (by Alex Winkler) obviously inspired by Woody Allen’s early romantic comedy films. All of it just fits together so nicely. The sci-fi spunk with the charming performances with the heartfelt humor with the honest story about love with groovy shoestring indie filmmaking. My kind of fun space jam.

What I was thinking while watching this film was: If someone in the distant future made an indie romcom that would play at Sundance or SXSW, it turns out humans would still have the exact same problems with romance & intimacy that they do now. The exceptional script stands out in many ways, above all with how it doesn’t turn this into a cheesy, schmaltzy romance with all the usual cliches and quirks that usually come with a Hollywood movie. This one remains true and honest and harsh at times, as these two know they love each other but just can’t make it work. They meet, then meet again, then part ways, then reconnect, dealing with all the usual ups and downs and sideways moments of life, which is often what really happens. Putting this commentary into a sci-fi package, utilizing the slickest tricks to make this look and feel much bigger than it is, turns it into a film that is so easily lovable and unforgettable. I don’t expect everyone to vibe with the sci-fi storytelling in this, but I loved it. Perhaps because I’m a huge fan of ‘Futurama’ or ‘Rick and Morty’ already, but also perhaps because the filmmaking is so passionate & creative. This is a stellar feature debut.

One of my favorite gimmicks in the film is what they call a “PU-Box“. In this hypothetical future, there is a device people can try out called a “parallel universe box” where they setup a scenario and let it play out in a parallel universe to see what would happen much quicker (and safer) than if they were to try it themselves. It’s a clever example of using sci-fi concepts in a grounded, amusing, intriguing way to let the story progress and evolve, without losing focus on the characters. There’s so many details in the film I adore. A hilariously realized recurring giant fighting space robots motif. Zosia Mamet’s let-it-all-out emotional performance that isn’t trying to be too showy. All the homemade futuristic elements, from the VFX to the sets and props and clunky set decorations. This excellent film is a calling card for Michael Lukk Litwak, not only will I always cherish it but I already want to watch the next five films he makes. Keep watch for Molli & Max, especially if you appreciate smart indie filmmaking + sci-fi. “Love is the thing that keeps us sane in a world gone crazy.”

Alex’s Sitges 2023 Rating: 9 out of 10
Follow Alex on Twitter – @firstshowing / Or Letterboxd – @firstshowing

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