Have you ever wondered; what if there was another you out there? Is there a parallel version of you somewhere in the Universe? If so, what are they like? Are they a better or worse person than you are? Have they made the same mistakes, or taken the opportunities you missed?
This is essentially the premise of Another Earth. As I find myself frequently contemplating how many potential alternate versions of me may exist in the Multiverse (one sleepless night, I wondered about the possibility of there being a parallel Universe for every single decision everyone makes... Blimey, that's a lot of potential realities!) I couldn't pass up the opportunity to attend the UK premier of the film at the Raindance Film Festival opening gala.
Another Earth follows the story of Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling), an intelligent young woman who has just been accepted into MIT's astrophysics program. On the evening of the discovery of a mirror Earth (dubbed Earth 2), and after an injudicious night out, Rhoda inadvertently alters her life and that of brilliant composer and family man John Burroughs (William Mapother), and their shattered lives become irrevocably intertwined...
Written by Brit Marling and Mike Cahill, Another Earth's exploration of the possibility of a replica of our world takes the audience on a journey of introspection. Rather than exploring the parallel Earth in a literal sense, the narrative focuses more on the inner torment of the characters, using the appearance of Earth 2 as a backdrop for what is at it's core a story of human drama, and the lingering question – might things have turned out differently on Earth 2? The subtlety with which the SciFi premise is dealt with means it never goes over-board with trying to explain things, or being too 'showy' with the concept behind it, giving most of the attention to the story of Rhoda and John, which could have easily felt cheapened if the idea of a parallel Earth had been used as a gimmick rather than the intriguing framing device it is.
Marling's portrayal of the guilt-ridden Rhoda is a sublime insight into the character's tortured and self-deprecating soul. Throughout, she provides a wonderfully natural performance, bringing a very real essence to the role. Although Brit Marling is only really known in independent film circles, I wouldn't be surprised if in the years to come she will become a bigger contender in the industry.
Of course, bolstering Marling's superb performance was William Mapother as John Burroughs. Burroughs is initially depicted as a positive man, but he's soon left in a pit of depression and apathy, and this was something Mapother portrayed brilliantly. The chemistry between he and Marling felt as if it developed as the bond between the characters grew, from the awkward interactions at the beginning to their burgeoning friendship as the film continued. As the only two characters really driving the plot, it was remarkably engaging to watch their relationship develop.
It's incredibly easy to forget that this was an independently produced film, made on a shoe-string budget with minimal crew. Having been directed, produced, edited and co-written by Mike Cahill, he's evidently a man of many talents, bringing the brain-child Brit Marling and himself to life on such a grand scale. It's clear to see why Fox Searchlight Pictures thought that investing in this film and distributing it would be a good idea!
Several months ago, Dylan Spicer wrote this article about the trailer for the film, suggesting that it could prove to be this year's Moon. Having never seen Moon, I can't actually comment, but for those who have I'd be interested to know if you feel it is! Several people at the after party remarked that it was also similar to Monsters, another film I have not seen (makes you wonder if I'm in the right job, really, doesn't it?!), but they seemed to know what they were talking about, so I'm inclined to trust their opinion!
Overall, Another Earth is a brilliant personal drama set against the intriguing backdrop of a mirror Earth. It is a cinematic and narrative triumph, and for something that was produced on a low budget this is certainly an outstanding piece of cinema. It is not overtly Science Fiction (aside from the planet Earth hanging in the sky...), but I think that's what makes it such a success – a SciFi premise, but with a human drama at its heart.
What would you do if you met a parallel version of yourself? I think I'd be overjoyed to be in the presence of such brilliant company!
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