Meanwhile on Earth Film review: “Meanwhile on Earth,” directed by Jérémy Clapin, is a sci-fi drama that explores the depths of grief through an unusual and haunting story. Known for his Oscar-nominated animated feature I Lost My Body, Clapin ventures into live-action with Meanwhile on Earth, mixing genres to tell the story of Elsa, a woman struggling with the loss of her brother Franck, who disappeared during a space mission. Three years later, Elsa, played by Megan Northam, still mourns Franck, finding solace only in her regular visits to a memorial statue dedicated to him. Her grief is palpable, creating a deep emotional resonance as she clings to the memories of her lost brother. This familiar yet poignant depiction of mourning sets a somber tone for the film, which Clapin accentuates with carefully crafted visual and narrative elements.
Meanwhile on Earth Film review
The storyline takes a dramatic turn when Elsa begins hearing her brother’s voice, as if he were reaching out to her from beyond. The unexpected communication brings Elsa hope, but it is soon dashed by an unsettling revelation. Franck’s voice, Elsa learns, is connected to a group of aliens who claim they are holding him hostage. In exchange for Franck’s safe return, the aliens demand that Elsa provide them with human bodies they can inhabit on Earth. This proposition forces Elsa into a dark moral dilemma. Desperate to see her brother again, Elsa finds herself contemplating the unthinkable—selecting people she deems expendable to fulfill the aliens’ request. Her internal conflict is heightened by Clapin’s skillful direction, which juxtaposes Elsa’s sorrow with the disturbing nature of her task. She tries to justify her actions by choosing individuals she perceives as unworthy, yet this rationalization exposes the devastating grip that grief can have on a person’s morals.
Clapin’s storytelling prowess shines through as he combines sci-fi elements with a psychological exploration of grief. Known for his ability to take narrative risks, Clapin delves into Elsa’s struggles, presenting her as a complex character torn between the love for her brother and the ethics of her decisions. He uses animated flashbacks and memories, giving viewers a glimpse into Elsa’s happier times with Franck, which are at odds with her current sorrow. These flashbacks, interspersed with her dark present, underscore her emotional descent. The sci-fi elements of alien contact and body-snatching demands add a unique layer, but they are secondary to the film’s focus on Elsa’s inner turmoil. However, the detailed exposition on the aliens’ demands and the rules for body-switching slightly slows down the narrative. Act Two of the film focuses on the specifics of Elsa’s task—such as the required time, location, and conditions for the body-switching process—which may feel tedious to some viewers. While this attention to detail enriches the sci-fi aspect, it diverts focus from Elsa’s emotional journey, creating a temporary disconnect from the main narrative thread.
The film’s aesthetic elements significantly enhance its emotional and atmospheric depth. Robrecht Heyvaert’s cinematography captures the bleakness of Elsa’s world with a muted color palette that emphasizes her isolation. The visual style complements Clapin’s narrative, making Elsa’s grief feel tangible and adding an otherworldly quality to her surroundings. Dan Levy’s score, which adds a melancholic layer to the film, is in line with his previous work on I Lost My Body. His dreamy and evocative melodies help capture Elsa’s inner conflict, strengthening the haunting tone that permeates the film. Together, Heyvaert’s visuals and Levy’s music create a cinematic experience that reflects Elsa’s psychological state, making her journey resonate on multiple levels.
In the final act, Elsa faces a moment of moral clarity that challenges her initial decisions. The story brings her to a realization that redefines her understanding of loss and acceptance. This climactic resolution reinforces the film’s central theme: moving on from grief does not mean erasing memories but rather finding peace in them. Clapin uses this moment to bring closure not only to Elsa’s journey but also to the audience’s emotional investment in her character. The resolution offers a sense of relief, as Elsa learns to let go, allowing her to move forward without sacrificing her moral integrity.
Overall, Meanwhile on Earth showcases Jérémy Clapin’s skill in crafting layered narratives that push the boundaries of genre and storytelling. His transition from animation to live-action with animated elements demonstrates his versatility, while Megan Northam’s portrayal of Elsa effectively anchors the film’s emotional core. Although the film’s detailed focus on the alien demands may distract from Elsa’s personal journey at times, Clapin ultimately delivers a moving and memorable story about the impact of grief and the lengths one might go to reconnect with a loved one. With his bold approach to storytelling, Clapin leaves audiences curious about his next project, further cementing his reputation as an innovative filmmaker.
Top 5 Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Meanwhile on Earth is beautiful, but alienating – Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine/Vulture
Despite the screenplay turbulence that threatened to derail “Meanwhile on Earth” in Act 2, Clapin managed to land the plane with style – Tom O’Brien, Next Best Picture
A fantastical look at the depths of heartache and what happens when we choose to turn away from a future for ourselves and live in the pain of what we’ve lost – Clint Worthington, RogerEbert.com
Resembling an ethereal and despondent companion piece to Jonathan Glazer’s “Under the Skin,” it’s a genre effort that’s off the beaten path—even if an invisible path is precisely what its protagonist traverses – Nick Schager, The Daily Beast
Small and strange, “Meanwhile on Earth” seduces with its soft, barren beauty and Dan Levy’s surreal score – Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Top Movie Ratings
| Imdb | 6.2/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 83% |
| Geek Vibes Nation | 6/10 |
Latest Release Movie:
- Small Things Like These Movie Story (2024)
- Bird Movie Review & Film Summary (2024)
- Heretic Movie Story (2024): A Chilling Dive into Faith, Belief, and Psychological Horror
