Jules is a 2023 sci-fi comedy drama film directed by Marc Turtletaub, who previously served as a producer for Little Miss Sunshine (2006) and Safety Not Guaranteed (2012), from a screenplay by Gavin Steckler.

Milton lives a quiet life of routine in a small western Pennsylvania town but finds his day upended when a UFO and its extra-terrestrial passenger crash land in his backyard. Before long, Milton develops a close relationship with the extra-terrestrial he calls “Jules.” Things become complicated when two neighbors discover Jules and the government quickly closes in. What follows is a funny, wildly inventive ride as the three neighbors find meaning and connection later in life - thanks to this unlikely stranger.

The cast includes Ben Kingsley, Zoe Winters, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Jane Curtin.

Jules made its debut in select theaters on August 11th, courtesy of Bleecker Street.

THE GOOD

Jules came out of nowhere, as most indie films do, but after watching the trailer it was on my list of must-see movies. I am a sucker for anything that feels even remotely coming-of-age, and this just felt like something that had the substance that most movies are simply lacking these days. Now a movie can be entertaining from start to finish using special effects, wild action sequences, humor, etc, but having that thing that really resonates with viewers is often rare.

But for me, sometimes I just want to be surprised by a movie that is just plain special. After watching the trailer I was reminded of the 2012 sci-fi comedy-drama Safety Not Guaranteed, starring Aubrey Plaza, Jake Johnson, and Mark Duplass, and if it was even remotely similar it would be worth it. So, did Jules live up to my expectations or was it nothing more than film with a well-made trailer? Keep reading to find out!

Jules was somehow even better than I expected, and I can’t even begin to tell you how happy it makes me to say that. Seriously, as good as the trailer was it does not do the final product justice. Oh, and it very much reminded me of Safety Not Guaranteed in terms of the story and the way it all came together. I really, really loved this movie, and I want more than anything else for others to find the time to see it for themselves. This was such a special experience that had me immersed right from the opening sequence, and to say I never once even checked my phone or took my eyes off the screen would be an understatement.

And it wasn’t that so much was going on I just couldn’t look away, it was the simple fact that this film pulled me in with pure top-tier storytelling. The film touches on several difficult and complex themes, such as real family struggles, the idea of getting old and being forgotten, or what it’s like to be just plain lonely. I felt like I connected with the character of Milton right from the start, which is saying something considering he is a man in his late 70s, and well I am not. Also for a film that is obviously in the genre of science fiction, it felt as real and grounded as any movie I have seen in years. It was funny, quirky, impactful, entertaining, and for the briefest of moments truly heartbreaking.

The way writer Gavin Steckler was able to blend real-life drama so effortlessly with this wild idea of an alien landing in someone’s backyard and demolishing their birdbath was just magical. The fact that this is Steckler’s first writing credit for a film is crazy to me. Director Marc Turtletaub deserves a ton of credit for putting together a big movie on a small budget. Everything with Jules just felt so effortless, the cast was amazing and the legend that is Ben Kingsley was damn near unrecognizable as Milton, and the supporting cast was stellar as well, including Zoe Winters as Milton’s daughter, and Harriet Sansom Harris and Jane Curtin as the two women who form an unlikely but very special bond with Milton.

At one point I legitimately had chills with tears running down my face while still smiling, and I cannot remember the last time I experienced such a unique mix of raw emotion. Plus I laughed out loud several times during the movie, and not because of slapstick humor or great one-liners, but because of top-tier situational dry humor which is amazing if you can pull it off. I felt so damn satisfied after the movie ended that I went into the lobby and sat in one of the coaches for 45 minutes just soaking it all in.

As a fan of filmmaking and just the rare opportunity to leave a theater, this is what it’s all about. I also wanted to give credit to composer Volker Bertelmann, cinematographer Christopher Norr, and editor Ayelet Gil Efrat. Fantastic team effort all around by that trio creating a film that felt very real. The makeup team better get a nomination for their work on Jules as they created a pure work of art as they transformed actress jade Quon into this extra-terrestrial being. The decision to have her eyes as they were was just so impactful, and I honestly found myself lost in them more times than I can count. Jules says so much without saying anything at all, and that added so much depth to the character.

THE BAD

I honestly cannot think of a single thing about this movie that bothered me, it really is that good. I suppose you need to be able to appreciate indie filmmaking and a film that is 100% story and character-driven, but that is hardly a knock on it. I supposed a PSA is necessary as the film does touch on the difficult subject of aging in terms of Alzheimer’s, a progressive disease that severely impacts memory and other important mental functions.

THE VERDICT

A beautifully written film that conveys a powerful message in the most genuine and subtle of ways, Jules is a special cinematic experience that I simply cannot recommend enough. The acting, the story, and just the overall feel is just so, so good. Mark my words, much like the quirky indie comedy Brian and Charles (our full review here) last year, Jules is without a doubt the surprise film of 2023 and I feel lucky to have seen it in theaters. I know that this release is fairly limited, but if you have it playing near you please go out and support this gem.