‘Meanwhile on Earth': Alien Bodies Explore Our World in a Brilliant Sci-Fi Drama by ‘I Lost My Body' Director

Although it starts firmly grounded like cinematic feet planted on earth, French writer-director Jérémy Clapin’s "Meanwhile on Earth" quickly soars past the atmosphere and ventures into outer space as his atmospheric follow-up to the poetic, Academy Award-nominated animated film “I Lost My Body.” Adrift in space, Elsa (voiced by Megan Northam), a talented illustrator working as a caretaker, searches the cosmos for clues regarding her brother Franck (voiced by Sébastien Pouderoux), an astronaut who vanished during a mission and never came back down to Earth. To her astonishment, the celestial expanse does indeed reply to her cries—but at great cost.

Great joy comes from observing that Clapin’s initial enticing venture into live-action filmmaking still embraces hand-drawn narration. Meditative black-and-white animation segments, featuring interactions between Elsa and Franck inside a spaceship, punctuate crucial moments of the story. What's even more captivating is that the poignant atmosphere established in "I Lost My Body" serves as the emotional backbone for "Meanwhile on Earth."

The real-life heroine here shares similarities with Naoufel, the young character from Clapin's earlier animation. Despite being in the peak of their youthful years, both characters harbor resentment towards destiny and find it difficult to embrace their circumstances following a significant calamity.

The fluidity and energy of the camerawork in "I Lost My Body" are echoed here by cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert, using rapid movements and unusual angles to transform Elsa’s quaint French village and adjacent woods into environments as foreign as those found on Mars. Jean-Christophe Bouzy’s editing decisions create potent visual connections that enhance this sense of disorientation. Composer Dan Levy adds to this bewitching ambiance with his hauntingly evocative score, reminiscent of his work for “I Lost My Body.” These meticulous elements of filmmaking collaborate seamlessly to envelop viewers within the movie's fantastical setting; despite the smart execution, extraterrestrial aspects remain subtle—the aliens appear solely via their voices.

One evening, addressing the expansive heavens as though conversing with a brother, Elsa detects a response carried by the breeze. In truth, it’s Franck instructing her to retrieve a luminescent seed from beneath her feet and place it within her ear. An assembly of extraterrestrial beings—led by an unnamed commander voiced by Dimitri Doré—are communicating directly with Elsa’s thoughts; they hold Franck captive. These aliens promise to bring Franck back to Earth provided Elsa assists them in locating five individuals for whom their consciousnesses could inhabit. This would induce eternal slumber filled with dreams for those whose minds are usurped. Left without alternatives, Elsa delineates the concealed gateway in the forest created by these alien visitors.

However, what do these extraterrestrials aim to achieve by wandering around Earth within randomly chosen human bodies? The explanation is quite straightforward yet profoundly philosophical: their objective is simply to experience feelings and existence purely through living without aims or objectives. These shapeless entities yearn to immerse themselves in the everyday experiences that many people overlook, offering us a fresh viewpoint on humankind’s relentless drive towards grand aspirations. Do we consider individuals who possess significant ambitions along with the means and determination required to fulfill them as the sole bearers of meaningful lives? Alternatively, does every person—those unable or unwilling to participate in this ceaseless competition—hold intrinsic value despite potentially leaving behind little lasting impact during their lifetime?

When Elsa’s assignment becomes such an ethical quandary, she faces the grim responsibility of playing deity—choosing whom to offer up as sacrifices so the aliens can inhabit their bodies and manifest physically. Among those considered is an old lady who doesn’t recall her late spouse anymore, along with a destitute woman estranged from all familial bonds due to her situation. Northam delivers a performance driven by anxiety, underscored by visible anguish etched across her face as Elsa grapples with completing this harrowing duty within just three days before the gateway shuts permanently. This observant actress portrays a character whose sorrow hinders her ambition to work in creative fields; devoid of future aspirations, she merely endures through apathy. Given her dispirited state and lack of drive, could Elsa be seen as fitting to relinquish her own existence willingly?

In "Meanwhile on Earth," the portrayal of shared grief felt by Elsa’s parents and her younger brother over losing Franck seems somewhat underdeveloped, each character getting just one emotionally charged moment with her. Despite this shortcoming, this second film from Clapin demonstrates his skill at crafting poignant, introspective stories infused with an offbeat flair, whether working in animation or live-action formats. Viewing “Meanwhile on Earth,” audiences can trace recurring themes throughout the filmmaker's body of work—notably, the prominent depiction of astronauts symbolizing humanity's quest to comprehend what lies beyond our reach.

More from kor.news
  • "I Lost My Body" director Jérémy Clapin discusses his live-action debut "Meanwhile on Earth," which is set to premiere in US theaters this Friday.
  • Cannes, Sundance Film Titled 'Good One,' Berlinale Pick 'Meanwhile on Earth' Acquired by LevelFilm for Canada (EXCLUSIVE)

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