Imagine a world where an enormous alien “spike” hovers above Earth, teleporting between locations, causing mass death and destruction. This is the intriguing concept behind “We’re All Gonna Die,” a sci-fi road trip film that delves into themes of grief and personal tragedy. Written and directed by Freddie Wong and Matthew Arnold, known for their work at the web-based studio RocketJump, the movie offers an exciting premise but struggles to maintain tonal consistency.
A World Altered by Death
Set in the year 2036, the film takes place twelve years after the initial spike crash. Death and casualty have become so commonplace that they no longer hold the shock they once did. Amidst this backdrop, we meet Thalia, a beekeeper who seems to be indifferent to the loss of her husband and daughter. As the giant spike looms on the horizon, Thalia embarks on a crucial honey delivery to settle her mounting debts. Along the way, she unexpectedly encounters Kai, an EMT grieving the recent loss of his best friend.
A Collision of Tragedies
In a strange twist of events, Thalia’s bees and Kai’s inherited vehicle end up being teleported across state lines. Forced to work together to retrieve their belongings, Thalia and Kai find themselves confronted with their personal tragedies. However, their conversations often become repetitive, lacking rhythm and resonance. While their interactions offer glimpses of chemistry, the unpolished quality of their exchanges holds the film back from fully realizing its potential.
A Unique Visual Comedy
Despite its flaws, “We’re All Gonna Die” does have moments of visual comedy that provide some levity. Whether it’s Thalia struggling to suppress her attraction to Kai’s muscular calves or the occasional quirky observation, these comedic elements offer brief respites from the film’s heavier themes. However, the comedy lacks the depth that comes from character-specific quirks, resulting in interchangeable jokes that fail to leave a lasting impact.
A Missed Opportunity for Symbolism
The film’s premise, the teleporting spike, serves as a roving metaphor. However, it lacks the emotional resonance required to fully engage the audience. While abstract sci-fi has the potential to explore the complexities of grief, “We’re All Gonna Die” falls short in capturing the vastness of its theme. It attempts to reckon with personal loss and societal changes, but the scattered and vague symbolism fails to make a lasting impression.
Moments of Recognizable Humanity
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Ashly Burch and Jordan Rodrigues deliver emotionally charged performances that infuse the story with a sense of recognizable humanity. Their characters struggle against the overwhelming weight of loss, adding depth to the film’s exploration of grief. Accomplished cinematography by Bongani Mlambo further enhances the dreamlike warmth of the movie, creating a visually captivating experience.
In Conclusion
“We’re All Gonna Die” is a thought-provoking sci-fi road trip that attempts to tackle themes of grief and personal tragedy. While it has its moments of emotional depth and visual comedy, the film falls short of realizing its full potential. Nevertheless, the performances and cinematography add a layer of humanity that keeps the audience engaged. For those interested in exploring the complexities of grief through a unique sci-fi lens, “We’re All Gonna Die” offers an intriguing journey.
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