Out There – Simon Rynkins’ UFO Conspiracy Culture Film is Fun, If A Little Loose Around the Edges

 4 Stars

Out There, written and directed by Simon Ryninks, is as aesthetically pleasing as it is fun to watch. Set in Wales, the story centres around UFO conspiracy culture in the late 90s and one teenage girl’s inability to accept her father’s death. The production captures the post-punk beauty of a decaying seaside carnival town planted next to a secret military base. If this tableau sounds reminiscent of Stranger Things, Out There manages to distinguish itself in its execution by including all the charm found in a small Welsh village. Big clunky computers, tape decks playing the hits, and UFO tourist shops intermix with cosy living rooms and quiet moments looking at the stars. The film manages to visually reference Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind numerous times without it feeling forced. 

Nerys Amber Stocks plays a wonderfully determined protagonist in Maz. She brings us close to tears during her poignant moments and displays great chemistry when opposite Tom Moya. Michael Sheen is, of course, a delight in his role as the dime-store psychic Shifty Gruff. It’s excellent to see him so central to the plot and not simply as an expensive cameo used to plump up the film’s cast list.

Out There suffers in its inability to capitalise on the emotional crescendos of the film. The plot builds towards a mildly suspenseful break-in at a military base, but character development happens in popping moments that are quickly glossed over as the story moves on. These short bits of drama are constantly interrupted by a music cue for the next scene or another character attempting to bring comedy during moments that should allow us to feel something. The cast ably deliver these emotional performances but something must have been lost either before or after the camera started rolling. Loose ends like having a mother hold off a squad of military officers, then cutting away with seemingly no consequences, don’t help the film either.

Still, Out There is redeemed by its funny side characters, charming protagonist, and visually pleasing aesthetics. Despite minor grievances, it remains a fun time at the cinema and is a ticket worth buying.

Out There screens at EIFF on Saturday 15th August, Sunday 16th August, and Tuesday 18th August