JDIFF Day 7 Movie Pick – Earthbound

Dublin-filmed Earthbound is about a man who thinks he’s an alien… but is he?

By Genna Patterson

Rafe Spall (Life of Pi, I Give it a Year) plays Joe, who is convinced he is an alien. When Joe’s dad (David Morrissey) died fifteen years ago, he told Joe they were both aliens, but Joe is still waiting for something to happen. Joe’s dad said they were part of a race from planet Zalaxon and that Joe must hide out until the rebellion on their home planet is over.

Joe works in a comic book store and is told he must continue their race, but he is somewhat immune to love. He tries to meet a mate and when Maria (Jenn Murray) enters his world, he falls for her. Soon Joe confides his secrets to her.

Thinking he’s mad, she brings her old psychology teacher (Stephen Hogan) to counsel him, and soon reality breaks through his beliefs, shattering his world.

Variety described Spall as “terrifically deadpan, his Joe is a true believer and budding paranoid, but not immune to love.”

The movie was shot on location in Ireland – look out for the DART and other landmarks. Earthbound was made by Ripple World Pictures in participation with the Irish Film Board. Alan Brennan Hotel Darklight, Shapes) directs.

The Variety review also reads: “Murray and Spall play this all with wonderfully straight faces, allowing the comedy to arise from circumstances that might well evolve around any stranger in a strange land, or even one who just thinks he is.”

Earthbound will be screened in Cineworld on Wednesday 20 February at 6.15 pm and goes on regular release nationwide on March 15.