Molli and Max in the Future

From the opening scene of Molli and Max in the Future, you know you are in for something different from your average rom-com. While the structure is more than familiar, as we have the usual meet-cute, it’s the location that sets this meet-up apart, as we are galaxies away from your usual locales. Everything else falls into place, as Molli and Max ooze charm as we follow these two for over twelve years, multiple planets and dimensions, and a look at a good old-fashioned space cult just to be sure.

During a lovely drive through the cosmos, Molli (Zosia Mamet) runs into Max (Aristotle Athari), literally, as she hits him with her car. Molli offers to drop Max off somewhere, as they seem to be headed in the same direction. This trip is not short, and because of that, Molli and Max get to spend some time together. While at first, they don’t seem to agree on much, soon something starts to build. Things seem to be adding up to a relationship, as the two even come up with a secret handshake, but Molli has an opportunity she can’t pass up and ends the evening. Fate, though, is not finished with them, as the two meet again in a cab five years later, and are in different places in life. Molli is now a level four space witch, and Max is a mech warrior, and quite the star. The two catch up on each other’s lives, but romance doesn’t seem in the stars for these two, at least not quite yet. With the sparks being ignored, both Molli and Max move on with their lives, and even meet other people, but you can’t stop fate forever.

Written and directed by Michael Lukk Litwak, Molli and Max in the Future brings both When Harry Meets Sally and the Before trilogy vibes, as their lives keep interconnecting through the years. While the bones of the banter don’t change much, the multicolored world that the story takes place in is quite surreal, and is one of the things that draws you into the story. But it’s the loveable-ness of Molli and Max themselves along with the conversations they have with each other that works best. The story feels light and at times silly, but to the romantic in everyone, Molli and Max in the Future will pull you in like any tractor beam worth its money can.

I was disappointed when I missed this at last year’s SXSW, but they say good things come to those who wait, and this is indeed true with this movie. There is plenty here for both sci-fi fans and romantics, and while the concept might be a little wacky, if you look past that, I know, like me, you will quite enjoy this. It really shines when Mamet and Athari are together, but like any relationship, there are some rough patches as well. Most of it takes place on a game show that helps choose who runs the galaxy and the time our two lovebirds are with their other partners. The good thing is, even when it feels like it is faltering, it never feels boring, all while delivering a love story that is written in the stars.