
Something Remote

Something Remote
Where to Watch Something Remote

Something Remote is a 2009 comedy indie movie that stands out in the crowd for its unique presentation of camaraderie, interpersonal conflicts, and household drama. Directed by Alex Laferriere, this film stars Chris Haley, Rick Desilets, John Selig, and Rebecca Davis.
The plot revolves around three roommates, namely Mat, Erik, and Neil, who are depicted as young adult males navigating their lives in a shared living space. An exploration of slacker culture, the movie humorously presents their banal chatter, seemingly meaningless arguments, and moments of bonding that peek through their lackadaisical existence. Notably, the cast features Chris Haley as Mat, Rick Desilets as Erik, and John Selig as Neil.
Chris Haley renders an impressive performance as Mat, the somewhat neurotic member of the trio whose obsession with cleanliness sets him apart from his carefree roommates. His appear ultra-organized, yet has eccentric tendencies such as refusing to share bars of soap, compelling the viewer to retain interest in his character. On the other hand, Rick Desilets as Erik showcases the archetypical laid-back and indifferent person whose nonchalant attitude often ends up annoying his roommates. Erik's life revolves around his television, and he seldom ventures out of his own comfort zone.
John Selig plays Neil, the mediator of the group, always caught in the crossfire between Erik and Mat’s polarizing lifestyles. Neil's character is significant in the disparity between the two extreme personalities, preventing the household from erupting into total chaos. He forms the calm pillar that prevents the house from dissolving into utter anarchy.
The film also introduces Rebecca Davis, who plays the impactful part of the trio's neighbour. her engaging and dynamic performance adds flavour to the narrative, influencing the main characters' journey in her unique, and sometimes unexpected, way.
Laferriere showcases his directorial prowess throughout the film, ensuring the audience remains engaged by the story's simplicity. He creates a home where these quirky personalities cohabit, and their clashes drive the narrative forward. He accurately captures their contrasting vibes, interests, and conflicts within a sinfully funny and often relatable environment. Laferriere's mastery over the art of storytelling becomes evident through his subtle, realistic portrayal of the trio's stagnant lives, broken intermittently with humour, conflict, and friendship.
However, the brilliance of Something Remote does not rest solely on its characters. The film is impressive in its utilization of simple, everyday conflicts catalyzing the plot progression. Laced with sharp, witty dialogues, the movie swiftly moves from one scene to another, integrating an element of unpredictability into the roommates' daily lives.
The comedy of Something Remote often comes from the mundane and ordinary, turning everyday situations into laughable predicaments through masterfully crafted dialogue. A simple argument about a lost TV remote can spiral into a ridiculous dispute covering every aspect of their shared living situation, continuing the trend of highlighting the humorous in what is usually overlooked as trivial.
The cinematography of the film further intensifies the comedy, punctuating a particular character's reaction or emphasizing the absurdity of a situation. The film also employs a unique editing style that adds to its comic timing and quirkiness.
Something Remote is a stellar example of indie film-making, underlining the subtle complexities of human relationships within a comically mundane narrative. Its simplicity is its strength, pulling the audience into a whirlwind of hilariously common household debates and comic situations.
Whether it's Mat's idiosyncrasies, Erik's complacency, or Neil's attempts to balance the household, every character and moment has its significance that contributes to the entire narrative. Rebecca Davis's character adds to the trio's dynamics and complications, giving the viewer some outside perspective on the group's dysfunctional dynamics.
To sum up, Something Remote is a light-hearted, engaging watch that presents a fun outlook on friendship, roommates, and the ensuing chaos of shared living spaces. Its appeal lies in its brilliantly captured comic moments and characters that stay with you long after the film is over. Whether you've ever lived with roommates or not, this movie is worth a watch for a dose of laughter and nostalgia.
