Soft Matter

Soft Matter, released in 2018, is a completely imaginative independent film that boldly combines elements of horror, science fiction, and comedy into a completely crazy amalgamation that is beyond imagination yet irresistibly captivating. Directed by Jim Hickcox, the movie stands as an audacious effort that proudly swims against the tide of conventional mainstream cinema, with performances from Ruby Lee Dove II, Hal Schneider, and Mary Anzalone grounding the madness in memorable characterizations.

The plot centers on a secret research facility that's deep into conducting outside-the-box experiments with the aim of achieving immortality for humans. This facility is run by two scientists: Kriegspiel (Mary Anzalone), the brainy and serious one of the duo, and Grist (Hal Schneider), who is calm and composed even in the strangest of situations. They are testing their work on an unusual creature often referred to as "God." As they grapple with their unusual subject, they encounter an array of oddities and surreal events.

Meanwhile, Ruby Lee Dove II emerges as Kish, an artist struggling to make a name for herself in the art world. Along with her roommate Haircut (Devyn Placide), Kish corners a half-abandoned building for her next art installation without realizing that it is already occupied by the strange scientists and their otherworldly experiment. This lays the base for an interesting storyline that is both unexpected and entertaining, as it pushes the narrative into a kooky collision of scientific ambition and artistic aspiration.

Soft Matter seems to revel in its own wild originality. Hickcox dexterously blends absurd humor with nods to classic horror and sci-fi trends. There are also instances of animated sequence interruptions in the narrative flow, a quirky addition which somehow perfectly fits with the cinematic chaos underway.

The design and costuming department deserves special mention for successfully creating a goofy yet eerie ambiance, from the character outfits to the 'living' art experiments in Kish's studio, and the grotesque 'God' in the science lab. The film also does a good job in bringing out nightmarish atmospheres in the darker moments, and the jumpy genre-bending also stays consistently entertaining, maintaining a curious energy throughout.

Stylistically, Soft Matter showcases an array of movie genres, mixing them together in a manner that brings about fantastic results. The switching of frames from regular shooting to animation, the conflating moods of horror and comedy, mixing of street art, pop culture, and a layer of scientific curiosity, keeps one intrigued.

One of the strongest features of this film is its characters. Each character, while being wildly different, resonates with you in more ways than you can imagine. Ruby Lee Dove II shines as the passionate artist, while Hal Schneider and Mary Anzalone do a phenomenal job as the quirky, bumbling scientists. The chemistry between all of these characters is terrific and makes for some genuinely funny and touching moments.

On the whole, Soft Matter is a unique blend of horror, sci-fi, and comedy. Its breakneck pace and a decided lack of concern for staying within the norms make it a refreshing watch in today's movie landscape. It's a mind-bending trip packed with colorful characters, surreal sequences, and enough quirks and oddities to make it truly memorable.

As an indie film, Soft Matter showcases a celebration of the strange, a resounding ‘yes’ to the unconventional, an acceptance of ideas and concepts that may seem bizarre but are surprisingly thoughtful if you dig beneath the surface. Despite its light-hearted tone and comedic approach, the film intelligently addresses topics such as mortality, ambition, and the impulse to create. It's an offbeat cinematic offering, but one that's well worth experiencing. This roller coaster of the weird and wonderful is a romp and a revelation – a true testament to the limitless landscape of independent cinema.