The Darkest Universe, released in 2016, is a British indie film directed by Tom Kingsley and Will Sharpe, who also stars in the film alongside Tiani Ghosh and Joe Thomas. The movie follows Zac (played by Sharpe) and his sister Alice (Ghosh) as they embark on a journey to find Zac's girlfriend, who has disappeared without a trace. However, as they get closer to uncovering the truth, they come across bizarre and surreal situations that blur the line between reality and imagination.
The film begins with Zac and Alice setting out on their quest to find his girlfriend, knowing only that she has gone missing somewhere in the north of England. They document their search through a series of videos that they save on a USB drive. However, as they delve deeper into their journey, things start to take a strange turn. They come across a band of enigmatic characters, including a psychic named Ola (played by Ghosh) and a runaway named Toby (Thomas), who seem to know more about Zac's girlfriend than they do.
The story is told through a combination of first-person perspective videos, found footage, and animation, which gives it a unique and playful feel. As the movie progresses, the line between what's real and what's not becomes increasingly blurred. The audience is taken on a surreal journey, complete with talking animals, supernatural beings, and impossible landscapes.
One of the themes the movie explores is the idea of self-discovery. Zac and Alice are both struggling to find their place in the world, and their journey to find Zac's girlfriend gives them the opportunity to explore and redefine themselves. Along the way, they confront their fears, insecurities, and relationships with each other. The film does a great job of exploring the complicated dynamics that exist between siblings, particularly in times of crisis.
Another recurring theme is the search for meaning and purpose. The characters they meet on their journey all have their own unique stories and perspectives on life. The film touches on existential questions about the meaning of life and what it means to be alive. While the subject matter may seem heavy, the movie has a quirky and lighthearted tone that makes it easy to digest.
Overall, The Darkest Universe is an engaging and imaginative film that defies genre conventions. The fusion of found footage, animation, and first-person video creates a unique and captivating narrative that immerses the audience in the story. The performances from the cast are excellent, particularly Will Sharpe, who shines as the lead character. The film's unconventional style may not be for everyone, but if you're looking for something different, The Darkest Universe is definitely worth checking out.
